Hebrews 4:14–16 - 14 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. 15 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. 16 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 5:1–5:10 - 1 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; 2 he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness; 3 and because of it he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins, as for the people, so also for himself. 4 And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was. 5 So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest, but He who said to Him, “You are My Son, Today I have begotten You”; 6 just as He says also in another passage, “You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.” 7 In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. 8 Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9 And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, 10 being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. What does today’s passage say? Today’s passage highlights the importance of Jesus serving as our High Priest. Jesus empathizes with our struggles because He was fully human and faced all the same temptations we do yet remained sinless (Hebrews 4:15). This should give us the confidence to approach God's throne of grace knowing that Jesus pleads for us with kindness and mercy (Hebrews 4:16). The passage clarifies that Jesus did not appoint himself as High Priest but was chosen by God, just like God appointed Aaron (Hebrews 5:1-4). This divine selection underscores Jesus authority and credentials to stand on our behalf before God (Hebrews 5:1-6). Even though He is the Son of God, Jesus learned obedience through suffering (Hebrews 5:7-8). This experience refined Him as our High Priest enabling him to offer salvation to those who follow him. His own suffering equips him to intercede for us in a meaningful way (Hebrews 5:9-10). How can I apply Hebrews 4:14-5:10 to my life? This passage offers a glimpse into the essence of our faith centered on Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest. Amidst the challenges and temptations of life it's common to feel overwhelmed. Yet this Scripture segment grounds us in the core beliefs that remind us we are not alone in our struggles. Jesus, both divine and fully human has walked the path of life ahead of us. He encountered every trial and temptation without succumbing to sin. This unique aspect of His being makes Him the perfect intermediary between us and God. Recognizing this should reshape how we perceive our battles and daily interactions. It encourages us to deepen our connection with God knowing that we have a High Priest who truly comprehends us and advocates on our behalf. As we consider this truth, we should also let it influence our journey with God. It is not merely about understanding these concepts; it is about embodying them in our experiences. Here are some basic principles from this passage that we should apply to our lives:
Hold Firmly to Our Faith (Hebrews 4:14): Seeing Jesus as our Priest should transform the way we view our faith. He experienced life like us but was without sin. He was fully God but also fully man. This combination forms the core of our beliefs, giving us a foundation when faced with life’s uncertainties. Our faith isn't theoretical; it is grounded in the real-life experiences of Jesus and His empathy towards our struggles. So, when doubts arise or challenges weigh us down, we should remember that Jesus has already walked this path. He isn’t a remote impersonal God. He stands by us as an advocate and mentor. This realization should strengthen our faith encouraging us to hold on even in challenging times. We aren't grasping at straws; we're holding onto the hand of our Savior. With this perspective, we should navigate each day with the assurance that our faith is anchored in someone who understands us completely and loves us deeply. In moments of weakness, let this be a reminder to stand firm and unwavering (1 Corinthians 10:13, 2 Timothy 1:12, Hebrews 7:25).
Food for thought: How does the reality of Jesus’s humanity and divinity impact your trust in Him? What areas of your life do you need to hold more firmly to your faith?
We Can Approach the Throne of Grace with Confidence because Our High Priest Jesus Has Been Tempted in Every Way (Hebrews 4:15-16): This passage serves as a guiding light for all those who believe. It emphasizes that our connection with God is not earned but is based on Jesus’ love and sacrifice. He experienced every temptation that humans face and remained free from sin. This fundamental truth tells us that when we approach God, we are deeply understood and unconditionally loved. Our prayers are met with empathy, not judgment. This should inspire us to share our concerns, shortcomings, and fears with God. The throne of grace is always open to us, offering mercy and assistance when needed. This privilege stems from having a High Priest and Intercessor who truly understands our struggles firsthand. We should cling to this truth at every turn. Whether in moments of happiness or sadness, let our natural inclination be to seek comfort in God knowing that He welcomes us with open arms and attentive ears. It's important to recognize this access to the throne of grace as a gift—a connection to divine help, support, and guidance that is accessible at all times and in every situation (Philippians 4:6-7, Ephesians 3:12, 1 John 2:1).
Food for thought: What holds you back from approaching God with confidence? How can you remind yourself of Jesus’s empathy towards your situation?
Jesus, Our High Priest, Is the Source of Our Eternal Salvation (Hebrews 5:4-10): The idea of Jesus serving as our High Priest and the ultimate source of eternal salvation is truly reassuring and enlightening. His sacrifice closed the gap between humanity and God. This divine appointment was not random; it was the realization of a God’s eternal plan for redemption. Understanding this truth should not just bring us peace but also motivate us to lead lives that reflect our gratitude for this incredible gift. Our deeds, words, and thoughts should mirror the salvation we have received. It's not about trying to earn Gods love since we already possess it. Instead, it's about reciprocating His love with our actions embodying the teachings of the gospel in every facet of our existence. This may involve altering how we interact with others, opting for forgiveness over holding grudges or even taking steps, in faith when called upon by God. Each day presents opportunities to live out the salvation secured by Jesus for us. We should cherish every moment and make the most of them fully aware that our eternal destiny is secure, allowing this certainty to influence how we live out our resurrection life in Christ (John 3:16, Romans 8:1-2, Ephesians 2:8-9).
Food for thought: In what ways can your life better reflect the salvation you’ve received? What steps can you take today to live more fully in the light of eternal salvation? Consider this truth: Jesus serves as our Great High Priest. This goes beyond theological knowledge; it should serve as a source of strength in our daily connection with God. Understanding that Jesus has faced all of life’s challenges like us should give us great comfort and encouragement. It assures us that our prayers reach someone who truly empathizes with us. From today’s passage, we can see the importance of maintaining an unwavering faith as we approach God with confidence through the salvation brought forth by Jesus. These teachings aren't limited to challenging moments. They should serve as guiding principles for every moment of every day. As we go forward, We should hold onto these truths dearly allowing them to influence our thoughts, choices, and behaviors. Let’s embrace each day with the assurance of Jesus’ empathy and affection leveraging our experiences to draw nearer to Him and one another. Prayer Dear Heavenly Father, Thank you for revealing Yourself to us through Your Son, Jesus, our Great High Priest. I pray that You would assist me in holding onto my faith particularly in challenging times. Grant me the confidence to come before Your throne of grace knowing that Jesus empathizes with my difficulties and temptations. I pray that You would help me to lead a life that mirrors the salvation and hope I find in Jesus. Help me embody His teachings and demonstrate Your love to others. Strengthen my faith, fill me with Your grace, and remind me of the great price of the salvation I have in Jesus. I pray these things in the most precious name of Jesus, Amen.
Hebrews 4:16 – “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.” With His Blessings, Pastor Corby
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