Our scripture this Good Friday is Hebrews 4:14-16.
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. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. 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.
Often when someone is enduring sickness or grief we say “I know how you feel.” It’s not an attempt to minimize what they are going through but to humanize it, to let them know we understand and are with them in spirit. We want them to feel the presence of God through our words and actions that they may find strength and comfort and reconnect with Him.
That’s a very simplistic explanation of what Jesus has done for us on a cosmic scale. He came to show us that God is there for us always and wants us to be released from the burden of sin. However, we must accept God’s forgiveness through Christ in order to do this.
Jesus was obedient to God in all He said and did, and needed no forgiveness because He did not sin. By His sacrifice for us, we can be washed clean and reconciled to God. While we are humbled that He died for us, we are blessed by His resurrection and ascension, and know He waits at the right hand of God to take us home.
Gracious God, in Your mercy You sent Jesus to make a way for us to be reunited with You in love. Bless us to tell everyone of His coming, that we may all be part of Your eternal kingdom. Amen.
