May 18th, 2022

Seriously, Jesus Gets It

Hebrews 4:15 NIV

"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are-yet he did not sin."

      I'm sure we've all heard the old saying, "do as I say, not as I do." I know I have. Though this saying is seemingly harmless, some people who use it may not realize the level of unfairness and hypocrisy it portrays regarding their character. We as Christians need to remember that, while people may use that term, our Savior does not. This week, I will be giving a sermon on temptation, but today I wanted to give you a little prelude to what I'll be covering. In ancient times, the Jewish people answered to a high priest. If we read through the scripture, it's easy to see that the high priest held to the original laws of our faith and did not accept the new covenant we were presented with when Christ was crucified. Not only did the high priest belong to the Sanhedrin who petitioned to have Jesus put to death, but they also persecuted the early church-which stands as the foundation we were built on. However, When Christ died and ascended into Heaven, we broke ties with the high priests of the old faith and have gained a new High Priest who is for us and not against us.

      The author of the book of Hebrews explains to us that the eternal High Priest is a priest of understanding. Not a Priest of a "Do as I say not as I do," mentality. On the contrary, Jesus became flesh and blood just like us. He suffered temptation and overcame it. However, we as humans may not overcome our tempter every time we're tempted because we are not perfect like Jesus is; But that's okay! Our High Priest is a priest of understanding. He knows what we've been through. He knows things get hard. He sees that we tried. He has empathy and compassion for us when we fall short of the perfection we strive to live in. Because of the sacrifice Jesus made on our behalf, we no longer have to face the judgment of a strict high priest, but serve one who sees our hearts and our struggles. He understands because He's been there too.

 Has it ever crossed your mind that Jesus might understand where we are because He's been there too? Does this change your relationship with Him knowing that he has suffered with us?