Jesus, Mercy and Grace
Hebrews 4:14-5:10
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize... but we have one who has been tempted in every way...yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace..."
(Hebrews 4:14-5:16)
Christ, because He was the only man who never yielded to temptation, is also the only man who knows to the full what temptation means. He is able entirely to sympathize with our struggles and temptations, no matter how big or small they are. The One we follow has triumphed over every sin! And we all need Him so we can receive mercy (forgiveness) and grace (enablement) in our time of need.
When weakness and sin are about to be exposed, the normal human reaction is to hide, as Adam and Eve did when sin first entered the world. But Jesus says, "Come near boldly because I know your weakness - I've been there. I know what the struggle feels like."
Regardless of our sin, whether we think others can sympathize or not, Jesus can. Carry your burdens to the One who has endured what you have and more. Regardless of your struggles, come to Jesus with grief, humility and great joy; find the mercy of forgiveness and the grace to live free from the dominion of your sin. Your Savior understands.
INSIGHT
Mercy treats us well when we've not earned it. Grace enables us to live well when we can't. Jesus provides both.
READ THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
Isaiah 47-48
Psalm 94
Acts 17
Hebrews 4:14-5:10
Jesus the Great High Priest
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven,[a] 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.
Hebrews 5
1 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.
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."[b]
6 And he says in another place,
"You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek."[c]
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.
Footnotes:
a. Hebrews 4:14 Greek has gone through the heavens
b. Hebrews 5:5 Psalm 2:7
c. Hebrews 5:6 Psalm 110:4
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