Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-16.  J.B. page 1848.

Observation.  In the Old Testament (before Jesus was born on Christmas day), priests were used by God to hear the confession of sin of the people.  The priest would hear the confession and offer a sacrifice on behalf of the one who sinned.  The priest was sort of the “go-between” between God and sinful man.

            Then Jesus came.  Read the passage for day and READ THE LEFT-HAND COLUMN ON PAGE 1848 ENTITLED “COMPASSIONATE HIGH PRIEST” TODAY.

            Jesus is our rescuer.  He is the ONLY WAY to God.  He is the “go-between” now between God and man.  Why?  Remember Jesus was 100% man and He was 100% God at the same time.  He lived on earth and was tempted just like you are I are tempted.  Yet, He was perfect, without sin.  He is able to pay for our sin (sacrifice on behalf of you and me) and usher us into the presence of God.  Remember He is the WAY, no one gets to the Father except through Him!

Application.  You can go straight to Jesus as your priest.  You do not need to go through another man or religious leader.  Jesus is your priest.

            So reread Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we many receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”  He knows our struggles, our temptations, our hurts and He helps us!

            The Message Bible paraphrases Hebrews 2:16-18 for us,  

It’s obvious, of course, that he didn’t go to all this trouble for angels. It was for people like us, children of Abraham. That’s why he had to enter into every detail of human life. Then, when he came before God as high priest to get rid of the people’s sins, he would have already experienced it all himself—all the pain, all the testing—and would be able to help where help was needed.

Prayer.  Jesus, you know what it’s like to live here.  You know the struggles.  You know the heartbreak.  You know the temptation.  Yet, You did not sin.  You offer mercy and grace.  Let me run to you today.