Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

- Hebrews 4:14-16

The work of the high priest was to represent people to God and to represent God to people. The high priest brought sacrifices to God on behalf of the people, seeking and receiving forgiveness. And the high priest brought the word of God back to the people, speaking blessing and pronouncing forgiveness.

Jesus does both of these things—representing humanity back up to God and representing God back to humanity.

All human beings were created in God’s image. But that image has been cracked and distorted by sin – the sins we’ve committed as well as those of others who have impacted us.

Jesus, however, was free from sin. He is the true image of God. He succeeded in obedience where both Adam and Israel failed. This positions him uniquely to represent us to God and God to us.

Rather than offering sacrifices to bring us and God together, Jesus IS the sacrifice that restores our relationship with God. He offered his own life in the same way a priest in the ancient world would offer a lamb for sacrifice.

Jesus leads us to the Father, ushers us into the presence of God, frees us to speak and be honest about our sin. And he pronounces forgiveness over us.

Take some time today to look to Jesus and see the forgiveness of God on display. Trust that he forgives you. Tell him “Thank you” and “Thank you” and “Thank you.”