PASTOR’S CORNER, Bailey Norris, New Beginnings Church, Liberal
Hebrews 4:14-16 offers encouragement in our faith, reminding us to hold fast, trust in Jesus' empathy, and boldly approach God’s throne of grace.
Jesus, Our Great High Priest
"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess" (Hebrews 4:14).
In the Old Testament, the high priest was the mediator between God and the people, offering sacrifices for sin year after year. Jesus, however, did not merely enter the presence of God temporarily—He is seated at the right hand of the Father, forever interceding on our behalf. His sacrifice was once and for all, fulfilling our need for atonement.
A.W. Tozer once wrote, "The whole work of God in redemption is to undo the tragic effects of that foul revolt and to bring us back again into right and eternal relationship with Himself." Jesus is our eternal mediator, ensuring we can confidently stand before God. Because of this, we can remain steadfast in faith despite trials, knowing our Savior is always interceding for us.
Jesus Empathizes with Us
"For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin" (Hebrews 4:15).
It’s easy to feel like Jesus doesn’t understand our struggles—our financial difficulties, parenting challenges, or personal pain. But Jesus not only sympathizes; He empathizes. He experienced temptation, hunger, thirst, fatigue, rejection, betrayal, and grief. He knows our struggles because He lived them, yet He remained sinless.
Luke 4:1-2 describes how Jesus was led into the wilderness to be tempted by the devil for forty days. He resisted every temptation, proving He understands our humanity. His sinlessness makes Him the perfect sacrifice for our sins and the perfect source of help when we face temptation.
Like a child resisting the temptation of a cookie left before them, we often succumb to sin. Jesus, however, never gave in. His victory over temptation reassures us that He understands and is ready to help us in our struggles. When we fail, He does not condemn us—He extends grace, calling us back into right relationship with God.
Approach the Throne with Confidence
"Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need" (Hebrews 4:16).
Under the old covenant, only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and even then, only once a year. Now, because of Jesus, we have direct access to God’s presence. The veil was torn, and we can approach the throne with boldness, knowing that mercy and grace await us.
We are not shouting across a chasm, hoping God hears us. He is near, listening, and desiring a relationship with us. He withholds the punishment we deserve (mercy) and gives us what we do not deserve (grace). No matter our struggles, His grace is available.
Are you holding fast to Jesus in your time of need? He is ready to meet you where you are. Boldly approach His throne, for He understands, intercedes, and welcomes you with open arms.
