“In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,. . .” (Hebrews 5:7-9)
Whether we admit it or not, we are all sinners. Many people think their sins are not really a big deal. Even if they were, most think they can atone for their sins or expunge them by doing enough good deeds to counterbalance the bad. This concept is at the heart of most of the world’s religions as well as many cults and sects that claim the Christian name. “By works are you saved so go and boast in yourself” would be their guiding principle of life.
The truth is, none of the good works and good intentions ever done by all human beings combined through all time can even come close to counterbalancing our sin before the holy justice of God Almighty. People like to form God into their own image so they can get away with doing whatever they desire or deem to be right but He demands perfection, something which no human being has ever been capable of, except for Jesus. He is God who took on flesh on our behalf to fulfill the Law of God to perfection for He was without sin. So we need to have faith in Him for He is our mediator, our High Priest.
All human beings should have faith in Jesus as our High Priest in order to make sense of life, to find hope and comfort in the face of temptations to compromise with sin and violence. Jesus endured temptation as well but without sin. Jesus knows how we feel and the temptations we face. He understands what we go through. He can help us to remain faithful, to persevere no matter what. He is the perfect representative before God for us. As our mediator and intercessor He allows us to enter into the direct presence of God the Father without fear. We can ask forgiveness for our sins and offer our petitions and know that He hears and answers with compassion and mercy for Jesus’ sake.