It is comforting to know that Jesus faced temptation without giving in to
sin. Jesus is the only perfect human being who has ever lived. "Seeing then
that we have a great High Priest who has passed
through the heavens, Jesus
the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot
sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all
points tempted as we are, yet
without sin. Let us therefore come boldly
to the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy
and find grace to help
in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Knowing Jesus as
our High Priest matures us in the faith and draws us more
intimately to Him. When we see the greatness of Jesus in this
role, our steadfastness is strengthened. To the Jews, the high priest was the
highest religious authority in the land. He alone entered the Holy of Holies in
the temple once a year to make atonement for the sins of the whole nation (Leviticus 16). Like
the high priest, Jesus mediates between God and us. As humanity's
representative, he intercedes for us before God. As God's representative, he
assures us of God's forgiveness. Jesus has more authority than the Jewish high
priests because he is truly God and truly man. Unlike the high priest who could
go before God only once a year, Christ is always at God's right hand,
interceding for us. He is always available to hear us when we pray.
Jesus Christ, our great High
Priest understands our needs and has compassion
toward our frailties. "For we do not
have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with
our weaknesses." Satan tempted Jesus in the wilderness. Our Lord
faced what we face (and more), so He understands our battles in a very personal
manner. Another matter of even greater significance is that Jesus never yielded
to the tempter's attacks: "yet
without sin." Thus, He not only
understands our plight, but "He is also able to save to the uttermost those who
come to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them." Hebrews
7:25
We are encouraged to approach God through our great High Priest. Prayer is
our approach to God, and we are to come "with confidence." Some
Christians approach God meekly with heads hung low, afraid to ask him to meet
their needs. Others pray flippantly, giving little thought to what they say.
Come with reverence because he is your King. But also come with boldness because
Jesus is your Friend and Counselor. "Let us therefore
come boldly to the throne of
grace, that we may obtain mercy
and find grace to help
in time of need."
Dear
Jesus, my great High Priest, You are great in understanding, compassion,
victory, and grace. I have many needs in my life. I come now to You, in
full assurance of faith that Your grace is sufficient to meet my needs.
