āTherefore, 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 areāyet he did not sin. Let us then approach Godās throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of needā Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV).
Jesus is our Great High Priest. His journey of suffering, death, and resurrection gives us hope. Because of what He experienced, we can receive the gift of salvationāand abundant life. We can also be assured that Jesus understands our suffering and find comfort in the God who loves us.
Read through the Scriptures below to follow Jesusā journey to the cross and recognize how He also understands what youāre going through and what you need today.
Jesus had friends who were not there for Him when He needed them most.
āThen he returned to his disciples and found them sleeping. āCouldnāt you men keep watch with me for one hour?ā he asked Peterā Matthew 26:40 (NIV).
Prayer: Talk with Jesus about what it was like to find His friends sleeping when He had asked them to keep watch. Spend time in Matthew 28:20, where Jesus tells His followers He is with them always. As you think of a time when this has been true in your life, ask Him to show you the next step toward healing and hope.
Jesus was betrayed by someone He was close to.
āNow the betrayer had arranged a signal with them: āThe one I kiss is the man; arrest him and lead him away under guard.ā Going at once to Jesus, Judas said, āRabbi!ā and kissed him. The men seized Jesus and arrested himā Mark 14:45-46 (NIV).
Prayer: Talk with Jesus about what itās like to be betrayed by someone youāre close to. Spend time in 2 Corinthians 1:3-7, where it talks about how God comforts us so we can comfort others. As you think of a time when this has been true in your life, ask Him to show you the next step toward healing and hope.
Jesus was mocked and wrongly accused.
āTwo other men, both criminals, were also led out with him to be executed. When they came to the place called the Skull, they crucified him there, along with the criminalsāone on his right, the other on his leftā Luke 23:32-33 (NIV).
Prayer: Talk with Jesus about what itās like to be mocked and wrongly accused. Spend time in Luke 23:34, where Jesus immediately responds to His mockers and accusers.
As you think of a time when this has been true in your life, ask Him to show you the next step toward healing and hope.
Jesus cried out to God when it seemed like God was absent.
āAbout three in the afternoon Jesus cried out in a loud voice, āEli, Eli, lema sabachthani?ā (which means āMy God, my God, why have you forsaken me?ā)ā Matthew 27:46 (NIV).
Prayer: Talk with Jesus about what itās like to experience Godās absence. Spend time in Deuteronomy 31:6, where God calls His people to courage because He will never leave them. As you think of a time when this has been true in your life, ask Him to show you the next step toward healing and hope.
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