July 20
We Have a
Great High Priest
Hebrews 4:15-16
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 did not sin. 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.
Daily Steps
When facing trials, the new believer may feel that their weaknesses and temptations disqualify them from approaching God. This passage provides the definitive source of strength and peace in our struggles: we have a great high priest who is able to empathize with our weaknesses.
The peace in this truth is found in Christ's perfect qualification and access:
Christ's Qualification for Empathy: Jesus is uniquely qualified to be our High Priest because He has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet did not sin. His temptation was genuine and complete, meaning there is no weakness or trial you face that He cannot understand from experience (empathize with, Day 200). His sinlessness, however, makes Him the perfect and powerful intermediary.
The Call to Confidence: Because of His perfect empathy and power, we are commanded to approach God’s throne of grace with confidence. This is an invitation to prayer that bypasses fear and shame. The throne is one of grace (unmerited favor, Day 184), not judgment.
The Result is Help: The purpose of this confident access is intensely practical: so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. In the midst of suffering, Christ provides the precise measure of mercy (not getting the punishment we deserve) and grace (getting the strength we don't deserve) needed to endure.
Your peace in suffering is secured by Christ's intercession. Approach the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that your Great High Priest fully empathizes with your weaknesses and provides the necessary grace to help in your time of need.
Reflective Question
If you truly believed you could approach God's throne with confidence right now, what specific weakness or need would you boldly present to Him? What fear is preventing you from receiving the mercy and grace to help that He has already promised?
Prayer
Heavenly Father, I confess my hesitation in approaching You when I feel weak or tempted. I thank You for my Great High Priest, Jesus Christ, who can truly empathize with my weaknesses.
I pray for the faith to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, knowing I will receive mercy and find grace to help me in my time of need. Secure my peace today through Christ's powerful and empathetic intercession. Amen.
