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Hebrews 2:17
For this reason he had to be made like his
brothers in every way, in order that he might
become a merciful and faithful high priest in
service to God, and that he might make atonement
for the sins of the
people.
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December
22
Mercy of Christ
The passage in Hebrews explains one of the
reasons that Jesus became a man. There is
an old adage that says, "Don't judge a man until
you've walked a mile in his shoes." In
other words, don't jump to conclusions about a
person until you know what they've been through.
Jesus walked among us as a man and experienced
life here on earth. No one can ever argue
with God by saying, "You don't know what it's
like." Jesus was here and he does know
what it is like.
Jesus was tempted in every way that we are
tempted. He experienced greater rejection
than we will experience. He was persecuted
to the point of death.
Because of these things Jesus is merciful to us.
He lived the sinless life that we're incapable
of living but He knows firsthand how hard it is
to live it. He does not want to punish us
for falling short but to give us mercy instead.
The job of the high priest was to present the
sacrifice to God. Because Jesus was a
merciful and faithful high priest He offered up
Himself as a sacrifice for us. Jesus
walked in our shoes and knew that we needed
mercy. He gave us that on the cross. |
