WEDNESDAY

Hebrews 4:14-16

One of the images used in Scripture to describe the way that Jesus identifies with us is through the imagery of the High Priest, who was considered a representative of God’s people. We can be confident that Jesus identifies closely with us as well! As we continue to read about what happened right after Jesus’ baptism, we find Jesus encountering temptation in the wilderness. Here, once again, as our representative and someone who identifies closely with us, we see Jesus facing the same kinds of issues that we do. First, at least two out of three approaches that the tempter tries undercut Jesus’ sense of assurance about who he is, with the insinuation that sonship has to be earned, not conferred. This is followed by the temptation to compromise who we are called to be to have power, rather than stay faithful to who we are. In each case, Jesus modeled what faithfulness looks like. This is what today’s passage alludes to as it describes how Jesus stands in solidarity with us before the throne of God, so we can know that we can stand there with him at the very source of mercy, grace, and help when we face our own challenges! As you reflect on this powerful imagery, consider the following:

• What does it mean to you to know that God, who so closely identifies with us through Jesus, stands at the center of the universe, not only fully understanding us, but offering mercy, grace, and help as well?

• How does this image of Jesus as our High Priest in the sanctuary in heaven— not as someone pleading our case, but as someone who stands with us, understands us, and offers mercy and grace to us—help shape the way we understand Jesus’ ministry in the sanctuary for us?

• How does remembering that “when we have seen Jesus, we have seen the Father,” help clarify what Jesus is doing in his ministry in heaven for us? If he does not have to convince the Father to love us and stands in solidarity with the Father in extending grace and mercy to us, how does that clarify the picture?

• Adventists have often referred to the “close of probation” as when Jesus no longer plays the role of offering mercy and grace to struggling children, but rather as the One who is now coming to rescue us and take us home. How might this clarify how we understand those f inal events in a way that creates less anxiety and more assurance?

What speaks to you the most powerfully in this passage? Take a few moments to share with God in prayer what is on your heart.