--Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the Heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." ---- -WE ALL LONG to feel understood. And it helps to know individuals who have endured circumstances similar to ours. Today's passage reassures us that Jesus truly understands because He experienced struggles like ours.
The writer of Hebrews refers to Jesus as our High Priest. Each year the man who was chosen to serve in this capacity would enter the Holy of Holies and there, in God's presence, offer a sacrifice for sin (Lev.16). The priest was the Jewish people's bridge to God. Christ not only took on this role, but He Himself also 'became' the sacrifice when He died on the Cross. By doing so and dying in our place, Jesus endured every possible sin. Now He sits at the right hand of the Father in Heaven and intercedes on our behalf.
That in itself is encouraging. But even more than that, we know Jesus truly understands our pain and our weakness. For example, a single parent who has suffered greatly can be assured that Christ also knew betrayal (when Judas turned against Him), loneliness (when Peter denied knowing Him), and depression (when facing separation from His heavenly Father).
If you feel alone in the hardships you're facing, recall Jesus' trials, hurts, and temptations. You will find comfort in His understanding. We are now walking in His steps, as we march forward onto victory to the Heavenly City, the New Jerusalem.~~ --IN TOUCH -/ Shalom, Shalom Jerusalem/ Paul Wilbur
