Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.

As we have seen in a recent Bible reading, Jesus understands what it means to be human. Without ceasing to be fully God, He became fully man. It is as much a heresy to deny the complete humanity of Christ as it is deny His full divinity.

  • Jesus understands our physical weakness: He knows intimately our tiredness and weariness; He feels our pain and shares our sorrows. On those days when it’s hard to get out of bed and face another 24 hours of life, He is fully aware of our heartache, and He cares; when you think, ‘I just can’t take another step’, He is right there with you.  ”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.” (4:15). So we can also affirm:
  • Jesus understands our moral weakness: He comprehends the pressures leading to sin. He knows temptation inside out; He has been there. In fact, He has been tempted to a degree we do not know, because we tend to give way before we feel its full force. Knowing all this about our precious Lord should encourage us to run to God in prayer, knowing that Christ has opened the way, and ”help” is generously available (4:16). If you need help today, you know where to turn. You are not alone.