The Only Way
Opening Prayer
Lord God, this day is another loving gift from You and I give You my thanks and praise for it.
Read Hebrews 5:1-10
[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.” [6] And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” [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. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
What was the result of Jesus' obedience and suffering?The first three verses explain clearly what a high priest is supposed to do. This role was established after the Israelites had left Egypt. The High Priest stood between God and the people, acting vicariously, taking the needs of the people to God and speaking to the people for God. As humans themselves, high priests could understand and help the people, but they also had to offer sacrifices for their own sins. Israel’s history contains examples of priestly behavior that is both sinful as well as good. Jesus, however, is uniquely qualified to be appointed high priest. He fully understands our nature as he is like us in every way; but he committed no sin. He “became obedient to death” (Phil. 2:8), himself becoming the perfect sacrifice for our sin. As high priest, Jesus enters into God’s presence with the offering of his own blood, which is acceptable to God as ultimate payment for the sin of the whole world. The only way for us to come to God is through Jesus (John 14:6). We can’t come by ourselves; Jesus is the only one who can take us.
Apply
Reflect on what it means that Jesus is your great high priest. Thank him that he’s opened the way to God for you.
Closing prayer
Great High Priest Jesus, I praise You for Your obedience and suffering that accomplished so very much for me.
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