Understanding Our High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-16)

From the desk of Dr. Robert L. Taylor, Th.D. We read, “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). Oh - and spoiler alert, we’re not perfect and very needy! Someone asked me, “When is the time of need?” I said, “All the time!” We make mistakes, sin, and disobey God. God’s standard for good behavior isn’t how we compare to others, but how we compare to Jesus who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Because none of us come close to His perfection, we need a high priest to serve as our mediator before God. We all need someone to sympathize with our problems and weaknesses without condemning us. That is enough to get us through, just to know that someone else understands what we’re going through. This passage is an example of Jesus’ empathy for our condition. Since He became a man and suffered all that we experience, He sympathizes with our weaknesses! We have a completely sympathetic high priest at the right hand of the Father! And, since Jesus is a high priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses, we should draw near to the throne of grace for help in our times of need. Be encouraged!