Thursday, December 12, 2024

Listen to the Word

For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human 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. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted.  (Hebrews 2:17-18)

Our Scripture says that Jesus became human so that he could be our perfect high priest – so that he could bring God to us, and bring us to God. A priest is a go-between – a link between people and God.

The Latin word for priest is “pontifex,” and it means “bridge builder.” We are separated from God, and we need someone to build a bridge from us to him. A bridge can best be built by someone who has access to both sides, someone who knows the ground on both sides. Jesus builds a bridge between deity and humanity, between us and God. Jesus is fully God, so he knows who God is and exactly what God wants from us. And he is fully human, so he knows who we are and exactly what we need. He became like us, fully human in every way, so he could connect us to God.

Live the Word

Think of someone you know who is far from God. Pray that Jesus the bridge builder will work to connect them to him.