Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was. In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
—Hebrews 5:1-10

~~~~~

A Priest Forever
By Jennifer Kane

A priest and king without a line, The eternal Son, begotten divine,
Shadow of mystery, ancient and rare, Perfectly present, Savior’s care,
Bread and wine he set on the plain, His own body, His blood to sustain,
Blessing Abraham with holy word, Blessing the nations with life assured.

No record of birth, no end foretold, Alpha and Omega, new and old,
A figure pointing, quiet and dim, Fulfillment shining—life found in Him,
Priesthood outside of Levi’s name, Priesthood eternal, always the same,
A witness of God’s unending plan, The bridge between God and fallen man.

~~~~~

Scripture: Hebrews 5:1-10

There is no one like Jesus. He bridges the impossible gap between God’s holiness and our weakness. On one hand, He is the eternal Son of God—the One who is perfect, sinless, and able to save us completely. On the other hand, He is the compassionate High Priest who walked this earth, faced trials, felt hunger, endured grief, and knows what it means to struggle.

That means when you pray, you are not speaking into the void. You are approaching One who truly understands you. Jesus doesn’t stand at a distance with crossed arms; He draws near with mercy, grace, and help in your time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Unlike earthly priests who lived and died, needing to offer sacrifices for their own sins, Jesus offered Himself once for all. His sacrifice was enough. His priesthood is eternal. His salvation is complete.

Because of this, you can have unshakable confidence. When guilt tries to overwhelm you, remember—Jesus already paid for it. When weakness tempts you to despair, remember—Jesus already overcame it. When you feel misunderstood, remember—Jesus already walked in your shoes.

He is both your compassionate Priest and your perfect Sacrifice. With Him, you are fully known and fully saved.

When do you find it hardest to believe that Jesus truly understands your struggles?
How does knowing Jesus is both compassionate and powerful give you confidence today?
What is one area of your life where you need to approach God’s throne of grace with boldness?

Each time you feel weak or misunderstood this week, stop and whisper a prayer: “Jesus, You understand me, and You are able to save me completely.” Then step forward in confidence, knowing you are never alone.

~~~~~

Lord Jesus, Thank You for being both my compassionate priest and my perfect sacrifice. You understand my weakness, yet You never turn away. You carried my sin, and now You intercede for me forever. When I feel alone, remind me that You walked this path before me. When I feel unworthy, remind me that Your blood has made me clean. When I feel weak, remind me that Your power is made perfect in weakness. I put my confidence in You, my eternal Priest and King. Draw me near to God, and help me live in boldness, trusting that Your mercy and grace will never fail me. In Your holy name I pray, Amen.

August 23, 2025