“Therefore, since 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 One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” ~Hebrews 4:14-16
A truth that I know I need to meditate on more frequently is the reality of Jesus, the Son of God, as our Great High Priest. Though we find the mention of many high priests throughout Scripture, Hebrews 4:14 is the only mention of a "Great High Priest." What separates Jesus from every other high priest is that He experienced the weakness of human nature, without ever knowing the weakness of human depravity. He knew temptation. He became intimately acquainted with the frailty of flesh, even being tempted as we, too, are tempted. But, Jesus, God incarnate, never sinned. Though experiencing the tugs and pulls toward sin that we know all too well, He never gave in, He never faltered, He never capitulated, He remained sinless.
It is easy to think about the victory of Jesus and look straight to the final days of His life on earth. Jesus, the Lamb of God, was given as a perfect sacrifice for our sins, was buried and rose again in victory over sin and death on the third day. We also should remember each and every day which led up to that, when He was tried and tempted, and yet succeeded, allowing Him to be that sacrifice. If at any moment previous Jesus had failed, the cross would be worthless for our sin. Countless times Jesus triumphed in the face of temptation. He was “tempted as we are, yet without sin.”
What difference does this perspective on the Savior provide for the Christian, you may ask? Because Jesus took on flesh, He knows the struggles we face and can “sympathize with our weakness.” Jesus is not irritated when we are tempted. He is not frustrated that our hearts feel the tug of sin. Rather, He is ready and willing to give us help. He is ready to deal gently with us. And this ought to produce confidence in the Christian. Confidence to draw near to God’s throne of grace and find all the help we need in the face of temptation. Jesus, our Great High Priest, gives mercy and grace to help us in our time of need. In my prevailing weakness, I know I need to be reminded of my merciful high priest and the help which He offers. Maybe you do, as well.
