JESUS: THE MERCIFUL AND FAITHFUL HIGH PRIEST
17 Therefore in all things He had to be made like His brethren, that He might be merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
18 For in that He himself had suffered, being tempted [tested], He is able to aid those who are tempted.”
Hebrews 2:17,18 (NKJV)
Jesus was made like us that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest (Hebrews 2:17).
He was made the propitiation or appeasement or atonement for the sins of mankind (1 John 2:1,2).
Whatever anyone may be passing through; Jesus knows how the person feels (Hebrews 4:15).
Jesus Himself suffered and tempted that He may be able to aid those who are tempted: "FOR IN THAT HE HIMSELF HAS SUFFERED, BEING TEMPTED, HE IS ABLE TO AID THOSE WHO ARE TEMPTED" (Hebrews 2:18 NKJV).
Thus, Jesus is able to aid, help, those who are being tempted, and those who are in one predicament or the other; however, the person would have to give the burden to Him, before He could be of help: “CASTING ALL YOUR CARE UPON HIM, FOR HE CARES FOR YOU" (1 Peter 5:7 NKJV).
“COME TO ME, ALL YOU WHO LABOUR AND ARE HEAVY LADEN, AND I WILL GIVE YOU REST.”
Matthew 11:28
Remember, if you do not come to Him, you may not experience and enjoy the rest He had made available for you (Hebrews 4:9-11).
Your coming to God through Christ Jesus gives Him access to work in your life—fix whatever is bothering your heart:
15 FOR WE DO NOT HAVE A HIGH PRIEST WHO CANNOT SYMPATHIZE WITH OUR WEAKNESSES, BUT WAS IN ALL POINTS TEMPTED AS WE ARE YET WITHOUT SIN. 16 LET US THEREFORE COME BOLDLY TO THE THRONE OF GRACE, THAT WE MAY OBTAIN MERCY, AND FIND GRACE TO HELP IN TIME OF NEED" (Hebrews 4:15,16 NKJV).
Now, If I should ask:
• Have you rolled your burden to Him? (1 Peter 5:7)
• Have you entered His rest that is made available for you in Christ Jesus? (Hebrews 4:9-11)
Remember, there is mercy and grace to help in the time of needs at the throne of grace; you would do well to visit the throne and receive the grace needed for whatever you are going through (Hebrews 4:16).
And also, God is the very present help in the time of need: "GOD IS OUR REFUGE AND STRENGTH, A VERY PRESENT HELP IN TROUBLE" (Psalm 46:1 NKJV).
Peace!