Since, Then, We Have a Great High Priest

This meditation is based on a passage for March 18, 2011 in the Daily Lectionary Year 1 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Hebrews 4:11-16

Reflection and Question: Jesus as the great High Priest is a central image for the masterful preacher of the letter to the Hebrews. Additional images for Jesus are in this passage, like the word of God who “is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart.” Jesus’ incisive knowledge of all of us ends any pretension we may have to know and judge anyone. And every believer – including lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Christians – are urged here to “approach the throne of grace with boldness so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” When have you approached God boldly?

Prayer: Eternal Jesus, our Great High Priest, it is to You only that we must render account. There is no escaping Your knowledge of our inmost thoughts or Your judgment of who we are and what we do. Thank You for sympathizing with our weakness. Amen.