When members of my congregation come to me for counseling, the quality of the advice they receive depends on the kind of day I have had. People often come expecting that perfect pearl of wisdom that will immediately solve their problems and put their life instantly in order. My personal resources and experience are limited. That's what makes Jesus such a wonderful counselor. His experience includes a lifetime on earth during which he experienced the same trials and temptations we face.
Heroes silently challenge others to follow in their footsteps.
And there's nothing wrong with that, as long as those footsteps lead in the right direction. Human heroes of all kinds have disappointed us by failing to deliver on their promise. Jesus, on the other hand, never fails. After you've gone back bil- lions of years, you're no closer to the origin of God than when you started. No beginning, no end.