Jesus, Great High Priest

Scripture         Read Hebrews 9:1-13
Focus Verse    Hebrews 9:11, 15   
When Christ came as a high priest of the good things that have come ... he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance.    

Commentary: Every year on the day of Atonement, and only on that day, the high priest was the only one to enter the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifices as a way to atone for the sins of the people.  This exclusivity and distance between God and people reveals how important the high priest was in the community.  Because Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for human sin, he opened up a pathway for us to approach God so that we could ask forgiveness for our own personal sin.  Jesus, our great high priest is always with us to draw us close to God and to help us with whatever we need when we approach God in prayer. 

Reflection:  What do you need from Jesus?  What are you willing to offer to others?

Prayer Breathing in … Jesus, my Priest
Prayer Breathing out … I need you every hour

If music is a spiritual pathway for you, listen to Chris Tomlin, via YouTube, sing Lord, I need you (every hour) which is an update of a beloved hymn by Annie Hawks, written in 1872. These words, "Lord, I need you every hour" speak of the intimacy that comes from the direct access we have to God through our relationship with Jesus, our great high priest, today.