“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 issue with God and even if they were, most think they can atone for their sins or expunge them by doing good deeds which 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 our good works and good intentions can even come close to counterbalancing our sin in the eyes of God. He demands perfection and we are incapable of that. We need help. We need a mediator to plead our case before Almighty God. That mediator is Jesus. He is our High Priest. The greatest difference between Jesus and the Jewish High Priest under the Mosaic covenant is that the latter was a sinner. He had to offer a sacrifice for his sin before he could make the offering of atonement for the sins of the people. Jesus did not sin, so He needed no such offering.
Therefore to know that Jesus is our High Priest is quite comforting for we all endure temptations to doubt, compromise, anger, hatred, and violence. Jesus endured temptation as well but without sin. Yet He was a human being as we are. Like the High Priest in Israel, was one of the people. He went before the Lord as the representative of the people in all spiritual matters. He could do this with mercy and compassion for he knew and experienced their struggles and temptations personally. Jesus knows how we feel and the temptations we face. He understands what we go through. He can help us to remain faithful no matter what. He is the perfect representative before God for us. As our mediator and intercessor for 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.