Friday Devo
Scripture:
Hebrews 4
14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
14 So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. 15 This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 16 So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Commentary:
4:14 high priest. Jesus’ role as high priest is announced in 2:17, expounded here (4:14–5:10), and further explained in 7:1ff. passed through the heavens. A reminder that Jesus is seated at the right hand of God the Father. Son of God. Jesus’ role as a human high priest (2:5–18) is united with his position as God’s unique Son (5:5–6; see 1:1–14; 3:5–6). Let us hold fast continues the theme of perseverance (2:1; 3:6, 12–14; 4:11). confession. See 3:1; 10:23.
4:15 sympathize. Jesus is able to identify with his people (cf. 10:34) because of his human experience and the sufferings he endured while being tempted (2:10–18, esp. vv. 17–18). tempted. The Greek (peirazō) can refer either to temptation intended to bring one down or to testing designed to build one up; both connotations probably apply here (cf. Matt. 4:1–11; Luke 22:28). without sin. Though Jesus was tempted in every respect, that is, in every area of personal life, he (unlike every other human) remained sinless, and thus he is truly the holy high priest (Heb. 7:26–28; cf. 5:2–3). In their temptations, Christians can be comforted with the truth that nothing that entices them is foreign to their Lord. He too has felt the tug of sin, and yet he never gave in to such temptations.
4:16 Draw near (Gk. proserchomai, “approach, go to, draw near to”) is used consistently in Hebrews to represent a person approaching God (7:25; 10:1, 22; 11:6; 12:18, 22; cf. Ex. 16:9; 34:32; Lev. 9:5; Deut. 4:11), which is possible only when one’s sins are forgiven through the sacrificial and intercessory ministry of a high priest (Heb. 7:25; 10:22). The encouragement to “draw near” to God’s throne implies that Christians have the privilege of a personal relationship with God. Confidence translates Greek parrēsia (“boldness,” “confidence,” “courage,” esp. with reference to speaking before someone of great rank or power; cf. 3:6; 10:19, 35). It indicates that Christians may come before God and speak plainly and honestly (yet still with appropriate reverence), without fear that they will incur shame or punishment by doing so. throne of grace. God the Father, with Jesus at his right hand (8:1; 12:2; cf. 1:8), graciously dispenses help from heaven to those who need forgiveness and strength in temptation (see 2:18).
4:15 sympathize. Jesus is able to identify with his people (cf. 10:34) because of his human experience and the sufferings he endured while being tempted (2:10–18, esp. vv. 17–18). tempted. The Greek (peirazō) can refer either to temptation intended to bring one down or to testing designed to build one up; both connotations probably apply here (cf. Matt. 4:1–11; Luke 22:28). without sin. Though Jesus was tempted in every respect, that is, in every area of personal life, he (unlike every other human) remained sinless, and thus he is truly the holy high priest (Heb. 7:26–28; cf. 5:2–3). In their temptations, Christians can be comforted with the truth that nothing that entices them is foreign to their Lord. He too has felt the tug of sin, and yet he never gave in to such temptations.
4:16 Draw near (Gk. proserchomai, “approach, go to, draw near to”) is used consistently in Hebrews to represent a person approaching God (7:25; 10:1, 22; 11:6; 12:18, 22; cf. Ex. 16:9; 34:32; Lev. 9:5; Deut. 4:11), which is possible only when one’s sins are forgiven through the sacrificial and intercessory ministry of a high priest (Heb. 7:25; 10:22). The encouragement to “draw near” to God’s throne implies that Christians have the privilege of a personal relationship with God. Confidence translates Greek parrēsia (“boldness,” “confidence,” “courage,” esp. with reference to speaking before someone of great rank or power; cf. 3:6; 10:19, 35). It indicates that Christians may come before God and speak plainly and honestly (yet still with appropriate reverence), without fear that they will incur shame or punishment by doing so. throne of grace. God the Father, with Jesus at his right hand (8:1; 12:2; cf. 1:8), graciously dispenses help from heaven to those who need forgiveness and strength in temptation (see 2:18).
Questions:
- Because of what Jesus has done for us in making a way for us to have an intimate relationship with the Creator, we have direct access to our Heavenly Father. He invites us to come boldly to his throne. Think about that for a minute... you have an open line of communication to God, 24/7. You ALWAYS have his ear. He is ALWAYS listening. He doesn't sleep. He doesn't avert his gaze from you. He sees you and knows you better than you know yourself. He loves you more than anyone else in your life ever could. He is a good, loving Father. And he wants you to come to him, spill your guts; the good, bad and ugly. And he has promised to give you grace and mercy which we all desperately need. How does all this make you feel? Do you think you pray enough, or is this an under-utilized area of your life? What do you need to bring to him in prayer today?
- Not only is prayer a great weapon, but it can be an incredible ministry. What we see in Scripture of the New Testament Church is people that met together regularly and prayed. They prayed for God to move, for the Gospel to go forth. They prayed for each other. They bared one another's burdens. They lifted each other up. They prayed for miracles. Praying for someone else, especially out loud, can be a little nerve wracking. But it is also powerful and can be life-changing for them... and you. Who in your life do you need to spend more time praying for? Your spouse? Your kids? Co-workers or friends or family? When it comes to praying for someone out loud, is this an area God may be wanting to grow you? If you were to ask someone if you could pray for them, who would it be? Look for an opportunity and watch what God does!
Pray:
- That you would come boldly to the throne of grace.
- That you would grow in your boldness to pray for others.
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