Seeing Jesus as High Priest....

And as a pastor.

Hebrews 4:14-5:2 NASB95.
14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.
16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
1 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins;
2 he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness...

In the gospel of John, Jesus describes Himself as the good shepherd. However, even if we did not have that, the description of Jesus, the high priest, is the description of a pastor.

1. He is sympathetic to our weaknesses
2. He was tempted in all things
3. He gives mercy and grace
4. He offers gifts and sacrifices
5. He deals gently with the ignorant and misguided.

The last two parts are actually part of the description of the high priest “from among men.” However, from the context, it can be included in the “job description” of any high priest.

I was greatly taken by the last part because we are all “ignorant and misguided.” OK, often I do know a lot and I am not ignorant and misguided about everything, all the time, but...

I did, at one point, spend all of my time that way. Even today, after many years as a Christian, I think I spend a lot of time that way, especially in hindsight.

Thank God that Jesus is willing to deal gently with us.