Hebrews 4:14-5:10

Hebrews 4:14-5:10
¹⁴ Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. ¹⁵ 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. ¹⁶ Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

The Jewish people had priests that would interceed for the people.  The high priest would once per year go into the holy of hollies and offer a sacrifice for the entire nation.  Jesus is that new high priest.  He was the once forever sacrifice for, not just the Jewish people, but the entire world.  Now he is interceding for us in heaven.

This new high priest is not just a stranger who does not understand us or our personal problems.  Jesus was tempted in every way we are and he did not sin.  As I meditate on this truth it should really impact my life.

We can pray with confidence because, Jesus our high priest is there.

5 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. ² He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. ³ This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. ⁴ And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.

The high priest is not elected.  He is chosen by God.  Though the human priest may have been able to empathize, he still had to offer sacrifice for himself.  Jesus is better.

Our human pastors and teachers are men called of God.  They too are not sin less.  They are put here to help us, but they will make mistakes. Offer them the same grace and mercy we receive from God.

⁵ In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,

“You are my Son;
    today I have become your Father.”

⁶ And he says in another place,

“You are a priest forever,
    in the order of Melchizedek.”

⁷ During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. ⁸ Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered ⁹ and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him ¹⁰ and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Jesus was chosen by God to be the sacrifice for the world.   

Melchizedek was a priest AND  a king.  In those days your were one of the other, not both.  Jesus prayed that God would find another way to save the world, but God said "No. Trust me.".  Jesus obeyed and God made him high priest and King of kings.

I want to point out the God said "no" to his own son because he had a plan that was greater.  If this is true and I believe it, why do I get upset when things don't go my way?  Am I better than Jesus?  The entire point that Hebrews been making is that Jesus is better than the way things have been done.  Therefore my only conclusion is "no".  

I do not understand why things in my life are the way they are right now.  I do know that Jesus my high priest and King, sits in heaven at the right hand of God...a God who loves me and wants what is best for me.  I also have the Holy Spirit within me to guide me.  That is enough.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters. Amen.