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.
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