# Jesus Became One of Us
*A Teen Devotional based on Heidelberg Catechism Q&A 35-36*
## Read First
Take a moment to read Questions 35 and 36 of the Heidelberg Catechism:
**Q35. What do you understand by “conceived by the Holy Spirit and born of the Virgin Mary”?**
*A: That God’s eternal Son, who is and remains true and eternal God, took upon Himself our human nature from the flesh and blood of the Virgin Mary through the working of the Holy Spirit. Thus, He is truly our brother, yet without sin.*
**Q36. How does the holy conception and birth of Christ benefit you?**
*A: He is our Mediator, and with His innocence and perfect holiness covers, in the sight of God, my sin in which I was conceived and born.*
## Daily Reflection: Being Real
Hey there! Let’s talk about something that might seem distant but is actually super relevant to your life right now. You know those moments when you feel like no one really gets you? When your parents just don’t understand what you’re going through, or your friends seem distant?
Here’s something mind-blowing: Jesus actually knows exactly what it’s like to be human. Not in some fake, “I’m pretending to understand” way, but for real. He didn’t just appear as a full-grown adult – He was born as a baby and grew up just like you are doing now. He experienced everything: family drama, body changes, friendship challenges, and all the awkward moments that come with growing up.
## Think About This
– Jesus didn’t just appear to be human – He actually became human while still being fully God. That’s what we mean by “took upon Himself our human nature.”
– He chose to be born as a baby, totally dependent on His mother Mary, just like you were.
– He went through every stage of life you’re going through right now.
## What This Means for You
You might be thinking, “Okay, but how does this help me today?” Here’s how:
- **You’re Never Alone**
When you’re dealing with stress about school, relationship drama, or family issues, remember: Jesus actually gets it. He lived it too.
- **Your Struggles Matter**
Sometimes we think our problems are too small for God to care about. But Jesus became human specifically to connect with us in everything – including teenage life!
- **Perfect For You**
The catechism mentions Jesus’ “innocence and perfect holiness.” While you might feel pressure to be perfect (on social media, at school, or from family), Jesus was perfect so you don’t have to be. He covers all our imperfections.
## Make It Personal
Take a moment to think about:
– What’s something you’re struggling with right now that you find comforting to know Jesus understands?
– How does knowing Jesus was once a teenager too change how you think about Him?
– What does it mean to you that Jesus is “truly our brother”?
## Prayer
Dear Jesus,
Thank you for choosing to become human – to be born as a baby and grow up just like me. Help me remember that you understand everything I’m going through. When I feel alone or misunderstood, remind me that you’re not just some distant God, but my brother who really gets me. Thank you for being perfect when I can’t be, and for covering all my mistakes and sins with your perfection.
Amen.
## Challenge for the Week
Each day this week, when you face a difficult moment (big or small), take a second to remember: Jesus experienced human life too. He knows exactly what you’re feeling. Try writing down one situation each day where this truth helps you cope better.
## Remember
You don’t have a distant God who can’t relate to your life. You have Jesus, who chose to become human, who understands everything about being a teenager, and who loves you enough to cover all your imperfections with His perfection.