Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)

Jesus the Great High Priest

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 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. 16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

Reflection:

Confidence is that feeling of certainty that something is going to happen. Some people have lots of confidence, while some have seemingly little. We tend to base our confidence on our capability, understanding, or right living. Many times, we approach God with that kind of confidence. But will that kind of prayer be accepted? We are to approach God humbly (because He is God) and we are to approach God based on confidence in Jesus Christ. He is our high priest who prays for us. He has experienced human weakness and understands what we are going through; however, the major difference being that He did not sin in that weakness. Jesus is the only true confidence, so let’s rely on Him!

Responding to the Transmission:

What are we hoping for as we pray? Let us realize that what we need is mercy for ourselves and grace to help us in our time of need. As we are thinking about different topics we pray for, let us pray for mercy (not treating us as our sins deserve) and grace (undeserved favor). And let us place our confidence in our Lord Jesus Christ, holding firmly to the faith that we profess.