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. Hebrews 4:15-16
I agree with this post on DesiringGod.com that states that Holy Week is the most important week in all of history. As such, I continue with one of the recommendations from the post to prepare for Holy Week, which is to read John Piper's 50-day devotional Fifty Reasons Why Jesus Came to Die. Today I read reason #27: To Become a Sympathetic and Helpful Priest. Here, John Piper highlights how Jesus is not just interceding on our behalf to the Father, but that he is doing so as someone who experienced "a lifetime of temptation climaxing in spectacular abuse and abandonment[, and that] gave Jesus an unparalleled ability to sympathize with tempted and suffering people." Despite how Jesus experienced this level of temptation, He never succumbed to the pressure to sin. Piper shares that "He knows what it is to be tempted with fullest force." Hebrews 4:15-16 then shares that, therefore, Jesus is able to sympathize with us as we are tempted and we are weak. This then gives us confidence to approach Him in our time of need to bring Him our cares, concerns, and struggles - He will give us mercy and grace. Piper concludes the devotion by sharing: "He feels with us, not against us. This awareness of Christ’s sympathy makes us bold to come. He knows our cry. He tasted our struggle. He bids us come with confidence when we feel our need." Rejoice and have confidence in Christ who is able to help us in our time of need!
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My Prayer: Father God, thank You for giving me Your Son who is able to sympathize with me in my time of need and give me mercy and grace! I am not deserving of such a God. My sin is great and it continues...daily. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to accept You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
