Living Like Jesus in every Emotion
by Mike Killebrew
I’ve always been drawn to the moments in the Gospels when Jesus expresses His emotions. They offer a powerful reminder that Jesus didn’t live his earthly life untouched by human experience—He felt deeply. We know He wept. He became angry. He grieved. He loved. I also picture Him laughing and having fun.
These emotional moments remind us that Jesus is not only fully God—He’s also fully human. He understands what we’re going through. Wow, He can relate to us. Our savior can empathize with us in every season of life.
Yesterday, my 17-year-old daughter texted me while she was in a Bible study with her friends. “Dad, random question, how are we supposed to not worry if Jesus worried too?” After assuring her that Jesus felt real emotions, I shared that He always trusted God the Father fully, even in those hard moments. When the Bible tells us not to worry, it’s not saying “never feel anything,” it is saying don’t stay stuck in your fear--trust that God is bigger than all your problems. I love that we can read about Jesus and his emotions. Here are just a few of the well-known biblical glimpses into the emotional life of Jesus.
Grief - “Jesus wept.” (John 11:35, NIV)
At the tomb of His friend Lazarus, Jesus doesn’t stay distant or reserved. Knowing He would raise him back to life, He wept. He enters the pain of those mourning and leads the way, showing that grief is not weakness—its love expressed to his friends.
Distress - “He took Peter and the two sons of Zebedee along with him, and he began to be sorrowful and troubled.” (Matthew 26:37, NIV)
In the Garden of Gethsemane, Jesus is overwhelmed with sorrow as He prepares for the cross. His honest sorrow teaches us that it’s okay to bring our raw emotions to God.
Anger - “He looked around at them in anger and, deeply distressed at their stubborn hearts, said to the man, ‘Stretch out your hand.’” (Mark 3:5, NIV)
Jesus is angered by injustice and the callousness of religious leaders. His response wasn’t passive—He healed. His anger led to action, driven by love.
I can remember with each of these Scriptures a specific time in which they had a profound impact on me. But there’s one emotion I’d like to highlight today—one that often gets overlooked: joy; not just happiness, not just Him in a good mood because He and the disciples were having fun together and everything was going their way. I mean deep, abiding, Spirit-filled joy. I’m particularly moved by the fact that this emotion was given to Him by the Holy Spirit.
Joy - In Luke 10:21, we read: “At that time Jesus, full of joy through the Holy Spirit…” (NIV)
What a beautiful window into the emotional life of Jesus. Full of joy through the Holy Spirit.
This joy isn’t rooted in favorable circumstances—it’s the result of deep relationship with the Father and the presence of the Holy Spirit. And because we’re called to walk as Jesus did (1 John 2:6), this joy is not just something Luke recorded for us to admire. It’s something we’re invited to experience. Our theme for the year is to Live Like Jesus from the Scripture “Whoever claims to live in him must live as Jesus did.” (1 John 2:6, NIV)
My family would likely say that I don’t show my emotions very well. They are right. I certainly have deep emotions, but I don’t always allow them to be on display, as Jesus did. I like how this example of Jesus gives me freedom to not only show my emotions but to recognize that the Holy Spirit gives me strong emotions. I’m realizing that my emotions are a gift from the Lord. So, I would share with my family and with those who are reading this blog that I’m trying to yield to the Spirit and show joy and other healthy emotions with increased frequency.
Over that last 3 years I have started collecting artist renditions of Jesus. Because of e2, I have the privilege to step into many churches and there are often pictures of Jesus hanging on the walls. I’ve started an album on my phone of Jesus pictures. Truthfully, many are cheesy, but I always snap pictures of them. I’m always drawn to those that aren’t his “senior picture” but those that show his emotions, exposing his “fully human” attributes. Here are some favorites along with a good one from The Chosen.
Now, here are some practical ideas to have more emotional moments, especially joy through the Holy Spirit, as we try to live as Jesus lived.
Slow Down and Ask
“May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit.” (Romans 15:13, NIV)
Spirit-filled joy begins with recognizing His presence. Jesus often withdrew to quiet places to pray. The Holy Spirit speaks in our stillness. When we rush through life, we often miss the opportunity of experiencing God’s joy. Start each day by inviting the Holy Spirit to fill you. Before grabbing your phone, getting in the car or jumping into tasks, pause and pray:
“Holy Spirit, fill me today. Lead me. Teach me. Fill me with Your joy.”
Trust and Obey
“Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.” (Galatians 5:25, NIV)
Joy is often found on the other side of obedience. When the Spirit nudges you—whether it’s to encourage someone, give generously, forgive quickly, or step into something uncomfortable—respond. Jesus didn’t just feel joy in the Spirit; He walked in step with the Spirit. So can we.
Celebrate What God Is Doing
“Rejoice in the Lord always. I will say it again: Rejoice!” (Philippians 4:4, NIV)
In Luke 10:21, Jesus rejoices in the Spirit over what God is revealing and doing in the lives of His followers. It’s a moment of celebration. So, take time to notice the good around you. Celebrate small wins. Testify to God’s goodness. Gratitude is often the pathway to joy.
Living like Jesus means living with the emotions of Jesus—and filled with joy. This is not a joy that is based on current circumstances quickly fading with the moment. It’s a joy that flows from the Spirit.
So, let’s live like Jesus today. And let’s live full of joy through the Holy Spirit.
