A priest who truly understands us

In his life on earth Jesus made his prayers and requests with loud cries and tears to God, who could save him from death. Because he was humble and devoted, God heard him. But even though he was God’s Son, he learnt through his sufferings to be obedient. When he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey him, and God declared him to be high priest, in the priestly order of Melchizedek. (verses 7-10)

Read Hebrews 5: 7-14 

‘Nobody understands me’ is a common complaint by lonely people, young and old. People sometimes feel justified in their wayward and antisocial behaviour because of their hurt feelings. Many are looking desperately for a friend, someone who truly understands them.

Jesus truly understands human beings, because he was a human being who experienced all the temptations, hurts, pains and misunderstandings that human beings do. His character developed as he learnt through the things he suffered. Because he has been through it all, God has made him to be the eternal high priest who in heaven hears our prayers, understands us completely and responds to our needs with his loving and almighty power.

You can go forward into life today because you can entrust all your cares and concerns to Jesus. You know that he is there to support, help and defend you all the way, because he understands you. He is truly your great high priest you can trust.

Jesus, help me to believe in you as my great high priest and to commit to you all the cares, worries and concerns of this day. Amen.

by Kevin Schmidt, in ‘Assurance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2004)

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