Scripture

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15

Reflections

The function of a priest is to serve as an intermediary between God and humanity.  Priests perform religious rites—especially sacrificial offerings on behalf of people before God.

Every year, on the day of atonement (Yom Kippur), the high priest would enter the holy of holies in the temple by himself and make a sacrifice in order to attain Divine atonement, the forgiveness of sins.

The writer of Hebrews likens Jesus to the high priest.  Jesus is one who enters the holy of holies and makes a sacrifice on our behalf, his very self on the cross.  Metaphorically, he is both the high priest and the sacrificial lamb.

The special thing about Jesus is that he is not like any other high priest.  Being God, he is able to understand and empathize with everything we experience.  He was tempted as we are tempted.  The only difference was that he had the strength to resist temptation.

In his boundless compassion for his people, he knows our weaknesses and feels for us when we falter.  Out of love for us, he forgives—even when it meant being the one sacrificed for sin.

Prayer

Lord God, thank you for being one who fully understands me and what I experience.  You know my weaknesses.  You know how I am tempted.  Still, gave yourself for me.  Thank you!  In Jesus’ Name, Amen.

Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16

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