Today’s Theme for Prayer – Jesus Desires to Save Me
How Do I Allow Jesus to Act Freely in Me?
Intimate with the Divine
Heb 4:14-5:10
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has similarly been tested in every way, yet without sin. So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help. Every high priest is taken from among men and made their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal patiently with the ignorant and erring, for he himself is beset by weakness and so, for this reason, must make sin offerings for himself as well as for the people. No one takes this honor upon himself but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. In the same way, it was not Christ who glorified himself in becoming high priest, but rather the one who said to him: “You are my son; this day I have begotten you”; just as he says in another place: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” In the days when he was in the flesh, he offered prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Son though he was he learned obedience from what he suffered; and when he was made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, declared by God high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
Grace Prayed For
Grace for empathy: Ask God for the grace to better understand and empathize with the struggles of others, just as Jesus empathizes with ours. Pray for a heart that is compassionate and willing to offer support to those in need.
Reflection
This passage from the book of Hebrews paints a beautiful and intimate portrait of Jesus, our High Priest. It reminds us that we have a Savior who not only understands our weaknesses but has also experienced them firsthand. He is not some distant deity, unmoved by our struggles. Instead, he has walked in our shoes, felt our pain, and faced our temptations.
The writer emphasizes Jesus’ humanity, highlighting his loud cries and tears in the face of death. This vulnerability makes him relatable and approachable. We can come to him with our burdens, knowing that he empathizes with our struggles.
Yet, despite his humanity, Jesus remained sinless. This purity allows him to intercede for us before the throne of grace. He is the perfect mediator, bridging the gap between our brokenness and God’s holiness.
The passage also highlights Jesus’ obedience. Even though he was God’s Son, he learned obedience through suffering. This teaches us that true strength lies in submitting to God’s will, even when it’s difficult.
Finally, the passage declares Jesus as the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him. This is a powerful reminder that our relationship with Jesus is not just about avoiding hell but about experiencing a transformed life here and now.
As you reflect on this passage, consider these questions:
- How does it comfort you to know that Jesus understands your weaknesses?
- In what ways do you need to approach the throne of grace today?
- What does it mean for you to obey Jesus in your daily life?
May this reflection draw you closer to Jesus, your intimate High Priest, who loves you unconditionally and offers you grace and mercy.
Growing in Intimacy/Union with Jesus
The passage invites us to “confidently approach the throne of grace.” This confidence isn’t based on our own merit, but on Jesus’ ability to empathize and intercede for us. Recognizing our need for him and boldly seeking his grace deepens our dependence on him, drawing us closer in the process.
When Time Allows Reflect on the Posts in Library and Musings
Sharing
Jesus last words on Earth were to his disciples, can be found in Matthew Chap 28 when Jesus told his disciples, “Then Jesus approached and said to them, “All power in heaven and on earth has been given to me. Go, therefore, and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age.”
Jesus calls all of us to share in his redemptive mission here on Earth. I would ask you to share this Scripture reflection with your family, your friends and your acquaintances, and then share it with a couple of individuals that you may may not be comfortable sharing with, keeping in mind always the words of Jesus, And behold, I am with you always, until the end of the age
Author was assisted by AI in the drafting of this Post