“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:15 (ESV)
The word ‘priest’ is very common in our vernacular. It can conger up many different ideas if it is not defined for the context where we find it. Perhaps we think mostly of those in service to the Roman Catholic or Anglican churches. The priests are those authorized to perform the sacred rites of their religion. In the Old Testament when the Law of Moses was given to the People of Israel, priests were established to be the ones who performed the required sacrifices and offerings people brought. Our verse today has for us the promise that we who believe have a high priest who is Jesus Christ. He offered Himself as the finale sacrifice for sin. In Hebrews 5:5-6 we learn that it was God the Father who called His Son and declared Him to be a Priest Forever (Psalm 110:4). Jesus became our perfect High Priest who lived a life like ours in a form like ours and was himself tempted many times in many ways. His sacrifice of Himself was accepted by the Father and authenticated by His resurrection from the dead. With direct access by the Holy Spirit, we need no other priest.
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