The Purple RobeНамуна

THE GENTLE GIANT

In yesterday’s reading, we learned Jesus had to be human to qualify as our High Priest. He needed the ability to identify with the people He intercedes for. It is impossible to state someone else’s case if you do not understand what they are going through. I can see why Aaron was an obvious choice centuries before.

Aaron was one of the Israelites who went through the complete Egypt and desert experience. He saw the scary Egyptian army coming for them at the Red Sea (Exodus 14), and he felt the hunger pangs a month after their last proper meal in Egypt (Exodus 16). Plus, after the gold calf ordeal (Exodus 32), I am sure Aaron did not judge his flock’s confessions too harshly. Our High Priest understands our hearts even more completely.

Jesus could not have become our High Priest without understanding exactly what we are going through. He does more than understand; He has been with us every moment of our lives. He does not merely observe our lives; He knows our innermost experiences. “ But Jesus knew their thoughts, so he brought a little child to his side” (Luke 9:46 NLT). Jesus knows exactly how to present our case to the Father because He has lived in our world. “This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do” (Hebrews 4:15, NLT). And He loves us for it.

In the same way that human priests can identify with the people they serve, Jesus became flesh to do the same. “And he is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses” (Hebrews 5:2, NLT).

Do you believe Jesus has gone through the same struggles as you? How do you think it may change your relationship with Him?

Let us approach God in a new way through our High Priest, Jesus Christ. Let us bring our hearts to the One who is gentle and kind in our weakness. “‘Let me teach you, because I am humble and gentle at heart, and you will find rest for your souls’” (Matthew 11:29, NLT).