Thanks for reading the sermon this week. It has rained all week where I live, but we have not had any flooding, and I am thankful for that. I hope that you are all having a good week that is without problems.
Today, we continue our series looking into the names and titles of Jesus found throughout the Bible. In our message today, we will examine the fact that one of the very important titles of Jesus is that He is our high priest.
One of the places that we read about this is found in Hebrews 4:14-16 that tells us, "Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."
Let us look at the idea that Jesus serves as our high priest. As we begin, let's look at what the role of the high priest was in the Old Testament. Aaron was the first high priest. He and the subsequent high priests were tasked with the important job of once a year on the day of atonement to go into the Holy of Holies in the Temple and offer the sacrifice from the lamb without spot or blemish for the people's sin. This is something that had to be done over and over again year after year. The sacrifice made by these priests could only cover the people's sin. It was not a once for all sacrifice. It did not have the power to take away sins.
Jesus is our high priest because He has made the once and for all atoning sacrifice for sins. As our Scripture today states, Jesus was tempted in every way like we are. However, while we commit sins in various and divers ways, Jesus never committed any sins. He was the spotless Lamb of God who sacrificed Himself on the cross in order to take away sins once and for all. Jesus as high priest is able to take the sacrifice of His own blood into the Holy of Holies and make the complete and everlasting atonement for sins.
When Jesus died on the cross, the Bible says that the veil that separated the people from the Holy of Holies was torn in two. This signifies for us that the sacrifice of Jesus has provided reconciliation with the Father. We can be reconciled with the Father and we are declared righteous based on the imputed righteousness of Jesus Christ.
Now, our text for the day also points out something that is important. Because Jesus was God and man, and because He was tempted like we are, He understands what we are going through in every aspect of our lives. That means that He knows our weaknesses, and He will aid us and assist us to overcome by His great power. When we do fall into sin, Jesus has provided forgiveness through His sacrifice for us.
Jesus has done for us what we could not do for ourselves. He has provided the once for all sacrifice for sin. Jesus invites everyone to come to Him that they might have life and have it more abundantly. Amen.
Prayer Requests
I want to start today by asking everyone to pray about the situation in Acapulco, Mexico. That area was hit by a tremendously powerful hurricane. Many are suffering and need help. Please pray that aid will quickly reach those who need it.
Continue to pray for peace in Israel. Pray that the hostages will be released and that there will be an end to terrorism.
Pray for peace in the other troubles regions of the world. Let us continue to pray for peace in Ukraine, Syria, Sudan and in the Sahel region.
For our prayer focus countries this week, let us pray for those in the nations of Indonesia and Saudi Arabia. Pray that many will come to know Jesus.
Next week, we will continue looking into the names and titles of Jesus. I will post the verses on Monday. May God bless you all.
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