When pain makes approach feel impossible
Having then a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let’s hold tightly to our confession. For we don’t have a high priest who can’t be touched with the feeling of our infirmities, but one who has been in all points tempted like we are, yet without sin. Let’s therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need.
Draw near to the throne of grace. Can you approach while pain is still loud, or do you wait until your words and faith appear presentable? Hebrews directs the infirm and needy toward grace, not toward a performance that earns access. The question is whether you will come while the need is still acute.
Your instinct may be to make pain manageable before bringing it to Christ. That is a false refuge: control. You rehearse a polished confession, hide the trembling, and call distance reverence. Yet the passage says the High Priest can be touched by your weaknesses. Your pain is not a disqualification from his help.
Jesus has passed through the heavens, but he is not remote from human weakness. He has been tempted as you are, without sin. He does not excuse your pain or promise its quick removal. He receives you at the throne of grace, where mercy meets guilt and grace supplies help in this present need. The sympathetic High Priest does not require a stronger version of you. Bring him the pain, not a performance of strength.
The sympathetic High Priest does not require a stronger version of you.
Lord Jesus, keep me near your throne; give me mercy for guilt and grace for this hour of pain.
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