“For every High Priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins—who can have compassion on the ignorant and on them that are out of the way, for that he, himself, also is compassed with infirmity.”
Hebrews 5:1-2
You’ll never have to wonder if He’s able or available.
He’s there when you need Him.
That’s the message the writer of Hebrews was trying to convey to his readers (and us) as he penned the words in today’s Manna. As Jewish-Christians, they were familiar with the Levitical sacrificial system and the Aaronic priesthood. They knew the High Priest was the only one who could enter the Holy of Holies in the Tabernacle or Temple—and could only do so once per year on the Day of Atonement.
They also knew He could not enter there without twice “sprinkling blood on the Mercy Seat”—once for himself and once for the sins of the people. Likewise, they knew he had to be a descendant of Aaron, the first High Priest. And, they knew (and hoped) he’d “have compassion on the ignorant and on them that are out of the way (Grk. ‘planao’—‘to roam from safety or truth, wayward, go astray, wander away, be seduced or deceived, etc.’) because he, himself, is also compassed (Grk. ‘perikemai’—‘enclosed, encircled, hampered, bound by, etc.’) with infirmity (Grk. ‘astheneia’—‘feebleness of mind or body, malady, frailty, disease, weakness, etc.’).”
Simply put, he was “one of them,” even though anointed and appointed by God to such a high office.
That’s why Jesus “was made a little lower than the angels for the suffering of death” (Heb. 2:9a) and “took not on Himself the nature of angels, choosing instead to take on the seed of Abraham” (Heb. 2:16). Only in so doing could He understand what we’re going through and “be able to succor (Grk. ‘boetheo’—‘run to the aid of, relieve, help, etc.’) them that are tempted (Grk. ‘peirazo’—‘to be tested, scrutinized, disciplined, tried, examined, etc.’)” (Heb. 2:18).
Oh, dear Pilgrim, aren’t you thankful the Lord Jesus was willing to “make of Himself no reputation, but took upon Himself the form of a slave and humbled Himself in obedience by being willing to die for us on the Cross” (Phil. 2:7-8)? Glory!!
Yes, Jesus is truly our “Merciful and Faithful High Priest” (Heb. 3:17), Who has “compassion (Grk. ‘methriopatheo’—‘to be gentle toward, show mercy or pity to, treat indulgently, demonstrate kind affection for, etc.’) on the ignorant and the wayward.” He knows we’re nothing but stupid, stubborn, straying sheep! And, it’s only “by His Mercies that we’re not consumed; His compassions fail not—why, they’re new every morning. Great is His Faithfulness” (Lam. 3:21-23). Hallelujah!!
Why, not pause right now and spend a few minutes giving thanks to the Heavenly Father for loving you so much? Then, ask Him to help you show the same compassion toward those you meet today—for that’s what it means “to love others as Jesus has loved us” (Jn. 13:34).
By Tom Smith Morning Manna Dated January 26, 2011
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