A Priest Who Understands You

Daily Devotional: Day 79

“Therefore, He [Jesus] had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted” (Hebrews 2:17-18, NASB).

The Bible says that to become our Savior and High Priest, Jesus had to become like us in all things, not just in some things. The only exception is that Jesus didn’t sin. This means Jesus knows what it means to suffer; He knows what it means to feel hungry and thirsty; He knows what it means to lose a loved one; He knows what it means to be happy and accepted. But He also knows what it means to be rejected and despised; He knows what it means to be betrayed by a close friend; He knows what it means to forgive someone who doesn’t “deserve” forgiveness.

Jesus knows what it means to belong to a family; He knows what it means to love and be loved. But He also knows what it means to be discriminated against based on one’s ethnicity, religion and social status; He knows what it means to be homeless; He knows what it means to be persecuted for one’s beliefs; He even knows what it means to be a refugee in a foreign country.

Wait, there’s more. Jesus knows what it means to be denied justice and a fair trial; He knows what it means to have your friends abandon you in your time of need; He knows what it means to be taunted and tortured. He knows what it means to be tempted to sin; He knows what it means to laugh or cry.

And finally, He knows what it means to die. So, believe Him when He says He is fully representing you as your Priest and Intercessor in heaven. Whatever temptation or hardship you’re going through, Jesus gets it and He has your back. He didn’t promise life will be easy, but He promised to be with you. Today, encourage yourself in Jesus, knowing that He understands you fully and will never abandon you.

Prayer:

Daddy, thank you for Jesus! He is my faithful and merciful High Priest, and I know He’ll never abandon me. I’m anchored in His love forever. In the Name of Jesus. Amen. 

For further study: Luke 7:11-17