Read Hebrews 4:12-16
“For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.”—Hebrews 4:15
Public officials say they understand your frustrations and will champion your cause. Effective salesmen guarantee their product will cure whatever ails you and make you happier. Friends say they know how you feel; they’ve been in your shoes. Yet, none of them fully understand your situation.
Truthfully, no one knows your pain. Others may be aware OF your circumstances but they don’t KNOW your pain. No one feels the pain of your struggles with temptation, disappointments, insecurities and fears. No one can fully share the heartache you’ve caused yourself because of your own bad choices.
That is, no one but Jesus, our High Priest.
It was the job of the High Priest to present the offering and sacrifice on behalf of the nation of Israel. Unlike the human High Priest, Jesus comes before God AS our offering and our sacrifice that atones for our sin. Jesus is the High Priest and sacrifice who not only represents us before God, but feels our every grief and pain.
Unlike any human, He never tires of us. He never asks, ‘Why have you not gotten over that yet?’ He is the High Priest who is intimately acquainted with every one of our circumstances, and yet holds an everlasting love and compassion for us.
Hebrews reminds us Christ doesn’t just know all we experience, and allows us to suffer in silent pain. He grants us access to His throne where He allots us grace and mercy to meet our needs. Not just once a year, but whenever the need arises.
Let’s not suffer in our situations alone. Instead, carry them to the only one who can do something about them, Christ.
Lesson to Remember – Of all the people who say, “I understand” only Jesus truly understands exactly how you feel.
“But He was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities; The chastisement for our peace was upon Him, And by His stripes we are healed.”—Isaiah 53:5
