Accept the Help
- Deborah
- 5 hours ago
- 2 min read
Hebrews 4:14-16 MSG
The book of Hebrews in the New Testament is one of the most difficult books to translate because (strangely enough) English is not as descriptive and colorful as the ancient Hebrew.
Having noted that it makes us realize professional translators of scripture for the Message did a great job holding to the accuracy of the text.
I am reminded of my Seminary days when I took four semesters of Hebrew. That barely scratched the surface of understanding this very difficult language. I/we did not master Hebrew. We did walk away with a basic understanding of the language.
That’s why when I read translations of Hebrews I am often moved and I appreciate the expert task that was completed well.
The Message translation of Hebrews was translated very well!
Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us, “Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.”
This passage from Hebrews makes it very clear that humans are not perfect and we make mistakes, but by turning to Jesus we are standing on safe ground.
On the cross Jesus took our (my) sin upon himself.
While it seems like that is difficult to understand the comparison of the High Priest to Jesus, in the Old Testament only the High Priest had immediate access to God. The Priest acted as the mediator for sin.
Under the new covenant (the New Testament) Jesus’ death and resurrection made it so all who believe (those who turn to Jesus) can seek forgiveness through Jesus.
Jesus stands in the gap for us.
Under the old covenant the task of the high priest had become problematic because they were often tainted (by pride). But Jesus experienced every good and evil thing when He walked the earth and he also knew suffering. Jesus was tested and died for our sins.
Now under the new covenant we can turn to Jesus to ask for forgiveness.
Jesus is our mediator.
Through Jesus,
Deborah