Hebrews 5:1-10
In ancient times, God required a sin offering in order to atone for wrongdoings. The purpose of the high priest was to offer sin offerings to God on behalf of the people. Oftentimes, the words "high priest" bring to mind thoughts of judgmental, holier-than-thou hypocrites. This, however, was not the original intent. We see in today's New Testament reading, high priests were mere men, "beset by weakness". They understood the struggle of sin, because they fought it as well. Humble, they were "able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring" because of their humanity.
Unfortunately, being human, many high priests fell to corruption. Because of their great importance to the community, high priests were idolized, venerated. Such reverence would go to any person's head, holy or not. Some high priests began to use their station to promote their own agendas, rather than cleanse the community of their sins. No longer did the high priest relate to the common man. Thus began the disconnect between the clergy and the layity in Ancient Jerusalem.
Until Christ Jesus arrived, that is. Jesus came to reestablish the priesthood, to reconnect with sinners. He was born as a man, like you and I. He felt our pain and sorrows. He prayed with us and for us "with loud cries and tears". He suffered greatly while He was "in the Flesh". He understood us.
Allow me to repeat that. Jesus Christ, our high priest, understands us! Just let that soak in a bit. And that isn't where He stops. He LOVES us, despite our sin! What an amazing feeling!
Today, I am #grateful for our High Priest, who made the ultimate sacrifice to atone for my sins, a sacrifice that He didn't have to make. He chose to love me and therefore chose to die for me.
Love,
Amy
In ancient times, God required a sin offering in order to atone for wrongdoings. The purpose of the high priest was to offer sin offerings to God on behalf of the people. Oftentimes, the words "high priest" bring to mind thoughts of judgmental, holier-than-thou hypocrites. This, however, was not the original intent. We see in today's New Testament reading, high priests were mere men, "beset by weakness". They understood the struggle of sin, because they fought it as well. Humble, they were "able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring" because of their humanity.
Unfortunately, being human, many high priests fell to corruption. Because of their great importance to the community, high priests were idolized, venerated. Such reverence would go to any person's head, holy or not. Some high priests began to use their station to promote their own agendas, rather than cleanse the community of their sins. No longer did the high priest relate to the common man. Thus began the disconnect between the clergy and the layity in Ancient Jerusalem.
Until Christ Jesus arrived, that is. Jesus came to reestablish the priesthood, to reconnect with sinners. He was born as a man, like you and I. He felt our pain and sorrows. He prayed with us and for us "with loud cries and tears". He suffered greatly while He was "in the Flesh". He understood us.
Allow me to repeat that. Jesus Christ, our high priest, understands us! Just let that soak in a bit. And that isn't where He stops. He LOVES us, despite our sin! What an amazing feeling!
Today, I am #grateful for our High Priest, who made the ultimate sacrifice to atone for my sins, a sacrifice that He didn't have to make. He chose to love me and therefore chose to die for me.
Love,
Amy