12/5/2021 - Jesus is Priest - Hebrews 2:5-18 - Pastor Jason Fritz

Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. Hebrews 2:17-18

Jesus’ birth brought more to the world than you can imagine. The author of Hebrews tells us that Jesus is a priest in the service of God. The Old Testament high priest would offer animal sacrifices for the forgiveness of the people’s sins. Why? Because the Bible tells us that the wages of sin is death. Sin is destructive, sin is a disregard for God’s laws which give life. Imagine if everyone lived the Ten Commandments. How much safer, joyful, meaningful; how different the world would be. 

Jesus did away with the old covenant sacrificial system by shedding his own blood. No longer is there a need for the blood of animals. He is so much better. He is our merciful and faithful High Priest who gives us help when we are tempted. (Don’t you just love sympathy when you are hurting?) A Jewish priest was and still is, someone you go to for help. The best help comes from those who understand you. You face spiritual temptation. Jesus understands. He faced temptation directly from Satan. You face the temptation to make yourself look good, obtain power over others. Jesus was offered the kingdoms of this world. Even physically at his most vulnerable and after a 40 day fast he was offered bread if he would forsake God’s authority. 

No one can ever say, “Jesus you just don’t know what it’s like to live in a fallen world and to be tempted by sin.” Jesus responds, “Actually my friend, I do know what it’s like to be tempted - by Satan himself.” He knows what it’s like to lose a loved one. He wept at the death of his friend Lazarus. When most Jewish men were married with kids, Jesus knew what it was like to be single, homeless and a virgin. He experienced betrayal and rejection by his closest friends. He knows what it’s like to be stabbed in the back by someone he loved. He knew discouragement in ministry when the disciples just wouldn’t get it. When you go through pain and you want to talk to someone who went through it all, talk to Jesus.