Second Reading: Hebrews 4:14-16

The High Priest

Popular Translation

14 We have a High Priest who went back to God in heaven. He is Jesus, the Son of God. So, we should hang onto what we believe about him. 15 After all, we do not have a High Priest who is not able to understand our weaknesses. Jesus was tempted in every way we could be tempted. Yet, he is without sin. 16 So, we can go to the throne of God's help. There, we can receive his mercy and quickly find his kind help.

Literal Translation

14 Having, then, a great high priest having gone throughout the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, we should hold onto our confession (about Jesus). 15 For we do not have a High Priest not able to empathize with our weaknesses, but having been tempted in every (way), in the same way (we are), (but) without sin. 16 We can come, then, with boldness to the throne of grace, so that we might receive mercy, and we might find grace in timely help.

This study falls on the heels of last week's excursion into God's coming judgment. Hebrews 4:12-13 portrayed God's word as a sharp knife that could lay bare anyone's thought and intentions. And, the verses implied that we were under this knife as a judgment. The language of the verses painted a sacrifice by a temple priest.

Hebrews 4:14-16 followed on the image of our sacrifice/judgment with the comforting message of Jesus as High Priest. The knife was in his hand, so he could show us mercy. And, as High Priest, he could represent us before God (the throne of grace). And we could receive mercy and grace in a timely fashion. Even though he was without sin, he still endured every temptation we could receive. So, he could empathize with us.

Jesus is a compassionate figure in these verses. We should lean on his compassion as a way to grow closer to him.

How have you depended on Jesus lately?