”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 4:15New International Version (NIV)
Hebrews 4:15 Devotional (Daily Bible Verse)
We have a High Priest who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet he did not sin
The latter part of Hebrews 4:15 declares that “we have a High Priest who has been tempted in every way, just as we are — yet he did not sin“. He is therefore able to empathize with our weaknesses.
God’s presence
Nevertheless, when God created Adam and Eve, they were able to access His presence (Genesis 3:8). But after they disobeyed (sinned against) God, they were not able to go into God’s presence (Genesis 2:5-3:12). Their disobedience (sin) severed their relationship/fellowship with God because they were sinful while God is holy.
Consequently, a gulf of separation emerged between man and God. Therefore, to go into God’s presence, man required an offering for their sin and a mediator. The offering would enable their sins to be forgiven and the mediator (priest) would be their representative before God (Genesis 3:21).
The priest would therefore offer gifts and sacrifices on behalf of God’s people (Israel) in addition to teaching them the Law of God. And Leviticus 16 teaches that the high priest was required to go into the Tabernacle and behind its veil once a year. There, the high priest would take an offering to “atone for the sins of Israel” by sprinkling sacrificial blood on the mercy seat (Leviticus 16:34).
The Tabernacle
Moreover, the Tabernacle was a structure that God had commanded the Israelites to build in the middle of their camp while they were in the wilderness of Sinai (Exodus 20-31, 35-40; Leviticus 1-17; and Numbers 6-10). The Tabernacle was a sign of God’s presence among them – later, the Tabernacle became the Temple.
The Old Testament High Priest versus Jesus Christ
The Old Testament high priest, therefore, foreshadowed the process by which mankind would be granted atonement through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ on the cross at Calvary. Because Jesus Christ entered the throneroom of God and presented His own sacrificial blood to provide “the forgiveness of all sins” to all who would repent. Jesus Christ was therefore both the Sacrifice and the High Priest (John 1:29).
Moreover, Matthew, in chapter 27 and verse 51 of his gospel, records that “the veil of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom”. And this was a dramatic display of God’s supernatural intervention to show how direct access to God was now available, thus, ending the need for a human priesthood.
Jesus Christ was tempted in every way, but He did not sin
But Hebrews 4:15 states that Jesus Christ was “tempted in every way, just as we are, but He did not sin”. And Jesus, in one of His temptations recorded in Luke 4:1-13 (and Matthew 4:1-11), did not sin – Luke also recorded that “His disciples stood with Him” (Luke 22:28).
James consequently revealed that “one is tempted, and not by God (James 1:13) when their evil desires drag them away and they are enticed” (James 1:14). And “desire births sin”, which later, when fully grown, births death (James 1:15 and Romans 6:23).
But when Jesus was tempted, He “maintained patience and stood firm” (James 5:8, 10-11). He, therefore, didn’t sin (2 Corinthians 5:21, 1 Peter 2:22, and 1 John 3:5) even though He was fully Human (Hebrews 2:9-18).
Jesus is able to empathize with you
Consequently, Jesus having experienced temptations, is well able to empathize with you in your weaknesses. He is, therefore, able to strongly come alongside you (John 1:14 and Hebrews 5:1-2), or relate with your weaknesses.
Moreover, Jesus will intercede for you after having put Himself in your shoes. But He can only do this for you if you have accepted Him into your life, especially as a High Priest. Because He is at the right-hand side of God the Father constantly interceding for you before Him. And because God has no evil in Him, responds with deliverance (Psalm 34:19) and perfect gifts (James 1:5).
Prayer/Blessing
Lord Jesus, I confidently approach You right now, so that You can empathize with my weaknesses. And I know that You are my able High Priest.
I pray this in Your Name, Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Romans 8-10 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
