Near my house is a museum with a space exhibit. The exhibit features everything from early astronauts’ suits to a full-size prototype of the Apollo 15 Lunar Lander. Each time I visit, I get a clammy feeling looking at the moon landing equipment. The thought of being so far from home, totally dependent on a vehicle less than half the size of a cement truck, is both wondrous and frightening to me.

Those early space explorers knew the danger of their pioneering work. In fact, astronauts left a memorial on the moon to those killed in the pursuit of space exploration. Other pioneers, in work ranging from medicine to civil rights, have also been familiar with danger in their work.

Jesus became well acquainted with risk, danger, and even death in his pioneering work of salvation. Some may like to think of Jesus as a brave or intrepid leader, one who leapt into worlds beyond without suffering so much as a scratch. The truth is that he did feel afraid, and he did experience pain.

I am grateful to follow a pioneer of faith who suffered. For me, it would be difficult to follow a Savior who had never experienced pain or grief or fear. Following such a person would create unrealistic expectations on my part. I would be unable to keep up.

However, frail as I am, Jesus is not ashamed to be my Savior. He is not ashamed of anyone he has saved. He calls his followers brothers and sisters. I do not have to worry, because whatever fear or suffering I encounter, I find that Jesus has encountered it too. I do not have to compare my progress to anyone else’s because Jesus has already laid the path for us all.