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 NIV
Of all men who lived on earth, only one completely fulfilled the will of God. Jesus Christ is the only human to live without sinning against God or man. But why did he live without sin? First, he is the Son of God. There is no sin in him. Beyond that, Jesus demonstrated the perfect example for humanity. Also, living without sin made Christ the only suitable sacrifice on our behalf. Any other man or woman would simply have paid for their own sins on the cross.
In his letter to the Hebrews, Paul teaches that Jesus feels our weaknesses. Because the Lord experienced life as a man, he knows our pains and temptations. Unlike you and me, who fail to overcome temptation at times, Christ understands temptation and sin without failing to obey the will of God. In this sense, Jesus understands the weight of temptation more fully than we do. Christ is the only person to completely overcome the corrupt influences of the world.
A Priest Forever
Notice that Paul teaches that Jesus is our high priest. We read in Psalm 110:4, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.’ NIV” This prophecy predicts the eternal intercession Jesus performs between man and God for those that believe in him.
Like Melchizedeck, Jesus’ priesthood is not based on genealogy from the tribe of Levi. Descending from the tribe of Judah, Jesus was fully human and considered a son of the house of David in the flesh. But in truth, as the Son of the God, Jesus is the Divinity that David worshiped.
Jesus is our high priest. The Lord says in John 14:6, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father, except through me. WEB” As Christians, we have the sinless, loving, Son of the living God to provide intercession for us in heaven. Moreover, Christ fully understands our weaknesses and temptations.
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for sending your Son to pay the price for my sins. Thank you for experiencing our pain and temptations. Help me to live without sin. Guide my steps to serve your purpose for my life. In Jesus’ name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: Blessed Through You
