Monday October 12th, 2015 Hebrews 4:12-16
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. (verse 15)
Who really understands you? Whom do you trust? Who is approachable? In times of failure and struggle, we usually turn to someone who understands, is trustworthy and approachable. It is a tragedy that vulnerable people who have turned to clergy and church members for help and counsel have been rejected and judged rather than loved and accepted.
Today’s passage from Hebrews compares Jesus with the temple high priest and the priests who descended from Levi, a son of Jacob. They functioned as the intermediaries for the Israelites under the sacrificial system. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest entered the holy of holies and atoned for the sins of the people.
The temple priests and high priest were not like Jesus because they avoided contact with sinners, the dying and the dead. Jesus deliberately sought out and welcomed outcasts and sinners of all kinds. He also raised the dead. Rather than reject and judge sinners, Jesus accepted, forgave and loved them. Why? Because in his sinless humanity he fully understands us, is completely trustworthy and approachable.
We praise and thank you, Jesus our perfect mediator, for your love and grace. Amen. — GW-H
Contributed by Jesus Our Perfect Mediator
Who really understands you? Whom do you trust? Who is approachable? In times of failure and struggle, we usually turn to someone who understands, is trustworthy and approachable. It is a tragedy that vulnerable people who have turned to clergy and church members for help and counsel have been rejected and judged rather than loved and accepted.
Today's passage from Hebrews compares Jesus with the temple high priest and the priests who descended from Levi, a son of Jacob. They functioned as the intermediaries for the Israelites under the sacrificial system. Once a year, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest entered the holy of holies and atoned for the sins of the people.
The temple priests and high priest were not like Jesus because they avoided contact with sinners, the dying and the dead. Jesus deliberately sought out and welcomed outcasts and sinners of all kinds. He also raised the dead. Rather than reject and judge sinners, Jesus accepted, forgave and loved them. Why? Because in his sinless humanity he fully understands us, is completely trustworthy and approachable.
