Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5:7-9
There were three characteristics that each Levitical high priest must have. First, he must minister in behalf of other men by offering sacrifices for sins. Secondly, he must have compassion upon the spiritual ignorance of man with all his frailties. Thirdly, he must be chosen by God. As we begin chapter 5 of Hebrews, the writer meticulously lays out the truth that Jesus Christ fulfills all these characteristics of being a High Priest. Yet, Jesus Christ then rises above every other High Priest because He knew no sin. His perfect righteousness made Him able to be the only High Priest who could complete the work of Salvation and sit down at the right Hand of the Father on High. Yet, His being the exact image of God did not reduce the suffering that He had to endure. Indeed, His suffering was greater than anything that we might ever imagine.
Whenever you or I meet with temptation, the desire grows immensely until we finally either succumb to the desire or another greater desire replaces it. Certainly, Satan had a vested interest in tempting Jesus more than any other person who had walked upon this earth. Jesus never failed to begin and end each day in fervent prayer to the Father. It wasn’t that Jesus absolutely could not sin in His humanity; instead, He did not sin. There is a distinct difference. His temptations were real and He had the power to change it. Never was this more evidenced that as He prepared for the time upon the cross. Remember, the Garden of Gethsemane!! Jesus prayed with such intensity that great drops of blood formed on His brow. He pleaded with the Father “if there be any other way, take this cup from me. Nevertheless, thy will be done” Matthew 26:39.
Jesus Christ, cried out to His Father in agony. He had the power to call down legions of angels at any moment to stop the crucifixion. As the men cried out “crucify Him”; He could have said, “enough”. Every time the whip came down upon His body, He could have said, “I am not doing this.” As they nailed His hands and feet to the cross, He could have said, “Stop” and all the heavenly hosts would have rescued Him from the tree. In His humanity, Jesus was afraid that the temptation would be too great. He knew that the greatest temptation of all would come when God the Father and the Holy Spirit turned their back upon Him as our sin was laid upon His shoulders. He prayed to the only one who could save Him from death to calm His human fears of failing. He prayed to the only one who would then resurrect Him from the dead.
Never underestimate the agony of Jesus. As you face trials and temptations upon this earth, cry out to your High Priest. He is a compassionate High Priest who understands you. Jesus Christ has always been perfect righteousness; yet, nothing more clearly demonstrated that than His obedience unto death. His endurance of such temptation and suffering perfected His ability to be our high priest.
Whatever sorrow, temptation or trial you are facing today, remember this:
1. Jesus Christ endured all this that He might be the author of your salvation
2. Jesus Christ is a compassionate High Priest who understands you and wants to listen to you.
3. Jesus Christ conquered death and is seated at the right hand of the Father forever making intercession for you.
4. Jesus Christ wants to shower upon you His love, His Joy and His Glory—won’t you come to Him today?
[bctt tweet=”In His suffering, Jesus was perfected as the most compassionate empathetic High Priest” username=”effiedarlene”] [tweetthis]Only Jesus fully understands you with all your complexities and frailties.[/tweetthis]
The Song I chose for you today: How Deep the Father’s Love For Us
©Effie Darlene Barba, 2016
Disclosure of Material Connection: I have not received any compensation for writing this post. I have no material connection to the brands, products, or services that I have mentioned with the exception of the portrait above and any money received will be given to the artist from whom I commissioned this piece. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.