Understanding Jesus as Our High Priest

Understanding Jesus as Our High Priest: Finding
Rest in His Identity
Jesus Christ serves as our High Priest, standing between us and God the Father as our intermediary. This profound truth offers believers a foundation for genuine rest and peace in their faith journey.
Who is Jesus? Understanding His "I Am" Statements
Jesus revealed His divine nature through several powerful "I Am" statements in Scripture:
• The Bread of Life (John 6:35) - providing spiritual sustenance
• The Light of the World (John 8:12) - guiding us through darkness
• The Door (John 10:7-9) - offering access to salvation
• The Good Shepherd (John 10:11) - leading and protecting His flock
• The Resurrection and Life (John 11:25-26) - giving eternal life
• The Way, Truth, and Life (John 14:6) - providing the only path to God
• The True Vine (John 15:1-2) - sustaining spiritual growth
How Does Jesus Relate to Our Human Experience?
Jesus was both fully God and fully human, experiencing temptation in three key areas:
• The lust of the flesh (physical appetites)
• The lust of the eyes (desire to possess)
• The pride of life (desire to live outside God's will)
Though tempted, Jesus remained sinless, demonstrating that victory over temptation is possible through
reliance on God's Word and submission to His will.
What Does It Mean to Abide in Christ?
Abiding in Christ means maintaining a constant connection to Him, like branches connected to a vine. This connection:
• Produces spiritual fruit
• Enables effective prayer
• Results in lasting impact
• Prevents spiritual withering
How Can We Approach God's Throne?
Because Jesus understands our struggles, we can approach God's throne boldly - not with arrogance, but with humble confidence, knowing we'll find:
• Mercy for our failures
• Grace for our needs
• Help in our struggles
Life Application
This week, consider these questions and challenges:
1. In what areas of your life are you trying to find sustenance outside of Christ?
2. How can you better abide in Christ daily?
3. What temptations are you facing that you need to bring before your High Priest?
Challenge: Each time you face temptation this week, view it as an invitation to turn to Christ rather than a burden to bear alone. Practice coming boldly before God's throne, remembering that Jesus understands your struggles and stands ready to help.
Remember: Jesus isn't just a historical figure or a distant deity - He is the great "I Am" who relates to our struggles and provides everything we need for life and godliness.