HE UNDERSTANDS

MEMORY VERSE: For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15

BIBLE READING: Number 12-16

Jesus is a priest. The role of a priest is to offer sacrifices. Hebrews 8:3 says: “For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer.” What kind of priest is He? He is a priest after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 5:6 says: “As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.” He was not a levitical priest i.e. a descendant of Aaron. What kind of sacrifices does He offer? He offers prayers and supplications. Hebrews 5:7 says: “Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared.” The three successive sacrifices of Jesus in His priestly role are: First, on earth, He offered prayers and supplications; Second, on the cross, he offered Himself; and, third, in heaven, he offers the continuing priestly ministry of intercession.

Jesus is also a high priest. A high priest is an individual who holds the office of the ruler-priest. According to Revelation 1:5-6, through the forgiveness of our sins and the cleansing blood of Jesus Christ, we have become kings and priests. As such, Jesus is our high priest. High priests are taken among men to represent them to God (Hebrews 5:1). The best person to represent you to God is one who knows what you are going through. What makes Jesus the perfect high priest is that He understands what you are going through. Hebrews 4:15 says: “For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.” He knows what it is like to be hungry, tired, lonely, hurt, hated, beaten, persecuted, misunderstood, mistreated, mocked, laughed at, betrayed by a friend, tempted to sin, responsible for employees, etc. He knows what it is like to feel forsaken or hopeless. He knows what it feels like to have no spouse or earthly father (there) to help. He knows what it feels like to loose a loved one. He knows what it feels like to pay taxes; have money stolen from you; have the responsibility to provide for a family; live under an oppressive government or experience extreme pain. This is why the author of Hebrew says, “Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need ( Hebrews 4:16).” Friend, don’t be afraid to talk to Jesus about any thing. Not only does He understand, He knows how to help you overcome and have victory. Remember, Jesus died for you because He loves you and He lives to intercede for you.

Father, please lead me to victory.

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Bro Samuel | Reaching the world.

UNDERSTAND THE QUESTION BEFORE YOU ANSWER IT

MEMORY VERSE: shall we give, or shall we not give? But he knowing their hypocrisy, said unto them, why ye tempt me? Bring me a penny that I may see it, Mark 12:15

BIBLE IN ONE YEAR: 1Kgs 20, 1 Thes 3, Dan 2, Ps 42-43

The Pharisees sought to trap Jesus in words , so they asked Him a tricky question in public. Is it lawful to give tribute to Caesar or not? Shall we give, or shall we not give? Jesus knew the reason for the question , He understood the motive of the inquiry so He requested for a penny. When they brought it, He asked them; "whose picture and title are stamped on it?" "Caesar’s", they replied. He said in that case, render to Caesar the things that are Caesar’s, and to God the things that are God’s, Mark 12:17. 

It is essential that before you answer a question, you understand the question. The reason why many students don’t do well in exams is because they do not understand the examiner’s question. When you don’t understand the examiner’s question, you end up answering your own question instead of the examiner’s question and this inevitably leads to poor grades.

It is also very important that you know the intent behind the question. The reason why many don’t do well at interviews is because they do not know intention behind the questions. A classical interview question is what is your greatest weakness? The answer many give is ‘I haven’t any’. Firstly, that answer sounds arrogant and it shows a lack of self-awareness. To answer such a question, you need to understand the question. Not only that, you need to know the intention behind the question. The interviewer has noble intentions, he or she simply wants you to discuss about the skills that are not critical for the job and weakness that you have improved on. Answering a question you do not understand can lead to embarrassment. Answering a question you do not understand can lead to poor grade and if care is not taken, it can lead to failure. Understanding a question before answering it, can save one’s life. The Pharisees tried to trap Jesus in words, because he perfectly understood the question and their intentions, he was able to give them an answer that saved His life.

SUMMARY: It is better to keep quiet than answer a question you do not understand. 

Bro Samuel - Reaching the world for Jesus.