“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet was without sin.”
Hebrews 4:15
I once heard someone joking about what it must have been like to be a sibling of Jesus. Just imagine being a brother or sister to the perfect child, perfect in the absolute literal sense of that word! Anyone who has lived with a degree of sibling rivalry gets the humor there, while at the same time knows the sting of envy regarding the unapproachable perfection of one over the other.
However, the perfection of Jesus, our true brother, is approachable. In fact, He offers it freely to us! In our own pride, we may pretend that all is well, that we can and will “handle” whatever gets thrown at us. But over time our strength morphs into our own self-righteousness. And that will get us nowhere.
Our Brother and perfect High Priest is unblemished, yet understands implicitly what it is to be us, the weaker sibling. Because of this we can come to Him in prayer, boldly and respectfully. He does not scoff at our sins or our sorrows. We can go confidently, holding to two truths: that Christ understands what we are, and that He is holy and set apart.
However, the perfection of Jesus, our true brother, is approachable. In fact, He offers it freely to us! In our own pride, we may pretend that all is well, that we can and will “handle” whatever gets thrown at us. But over time our strength morphs into our own self-righteousness. And that will get us nowhere.
Our Brother and perfect High Priest is unblemished, yet understands implicitly what it is to be us, the weaker sibling. Because of this we can come to Him in prayer, boldly and respectfully. He does not scoff at our sins or our sorrows. We can go confidently, holding to two truths: that Christ understands what we are, and that He is holy and set apart.
Scripture Focus
Hebrews 4
Insight
Don’t be intimidated by Jesus’ supremacy. “Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:18).
Bible In A Year
- Jeremiah 9-10
- Psalm 108
- Romans 7-8
