“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.” (Hebrews 4:14-16, ESV)
The writer to the Hebrews gives us insight into the significance of Jesus’ temptation for our lives. All three synoptic Gospels include the temptation of Jesus, which occurred just after His baptism and before His public ministry begins and disciples are called. The Son of God took on human form and became like one of us in every way. He, even endured the temptation and assaults of the devil.
The comfort and strength for us as we face the devil’s schemes is that we have a great high priest who is able to sympathize with our plight, having become like one of us in every way, yet without sinning. This means that we can pray with confidence when we face trial because our Lord knows our needs and well provides for us with His mercy and grace.
During the Lenten season, what a blessing it is to find time to approach the throne of grace with the certainty that our great high priest is interceding for us and on account of Jesus, the Father hears our prayers. For every time we are tempted, we hold fast our confession and cling to Christ’s word of promise. Even for the times when we give in to temptation, we receive the rich mercy and grace of God which Christ won for us on the cross. May we be blessed through our quiet time in prayer as we offer our petitions before the eternal throne of God’s grace knowing that we have a mediator in Christ Jesus and that on account of Him, our heavenly Father is merciful and gracious to us sinners.
Prayer – O Lord God, You led Your ancient people through the wilderness and brought them to the promised land. Guide the people of Your Church that following our Savior we may walk through the wilderness of this world toward the glory of the world to come; through Jesus Christ, Your Son, our Lord, who lives and reigns with You and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen.
Fraternally in Christ,
President Lee Hagan