His Greatness Brings Us Near
Good morning Immanuel. Jesus does not use his greatness to keep us away but to bring us near!
“Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:14-16)
You’ve probably heard stories of people who used to be down-to-earth but later became famous athletes, actors, or wealthy, only to leave their friends behind. Rather than bringing others up, their rise to greatness built a wall between them and those they once knew. The same is not true of Jesus.
When Jesus ascended back up to heaven, the greatness of his ascension and his place at the Father’s right hand did not widen the gap between him and his people. The greatness of his ascension brought them closer than ever before!
Notice how the writer says that Jesus is our great high priest who passed through the heavens. At first glance, this sounds like Jesus will be distant and far off, untouched by the affairs of this world. It sounds like distance. But the writer wants to show us that the greatness of Jesus does not lead to his indifference. His greatness is revealed in his gentle mercy toward us! In all of his greatness as our high priest, he leverages that all for our good.
The great one who defeated death and ascended to heaven…chooses to expose his heart to the groaning of his people. He is not unable to sympathize with our weaknesses. And from heaven, our great high priest invites us to his throne of grace to receive mercy and help. Jesus does not use his greatness to keep us away but to bring us near!
🙏🏼