Hebrews 4:14-16
Therefore, since we have a great high priest, who has gone through the heavens, namely, Jesus the Son of God, let us continue to hold on to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin. So let us approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Dear Heavenly Father,
Throughout the Old Testament, the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies, regarded as the temple’s most sacred place, which at one time housed the Ark of the Covenant. On the Day of Atonement, he would enter behind the curtain to atone for the people’s sins and sprinkle the blood on the Ark. This foreshadowed the moment when Jesus would shed His blood; it also served as a reminder that for every sin, a death was required to atone for that iniquity.
Jesus is our great high priest. He entered the Most Holy Place—heaven—by shedding his blood on the cross. Through his innocent suffering and death, he has opened heaven for all of us by removing our sins, which kept us from it.
Jesus understands our temptations because He was tempted in every way we are, yet He remained sinless. He was the final and complete sacrifice for us, restoring us to You through His holy life, innocent suffering, and death on the cross. Since He rose from the dead, we can be confident in our resurrection and salvation.
While this is available to everyone, it comes to each individual through faith in Jesus. Let us share the good news of our great High Priest with those we encounter so that they, too, may know of Jesus’ love and forgiveness. Amen.
Written through Pastor Roger Emmons
Confidently bring all your sins before Jesus, knowing that He has already forgiven each and every one of them.