Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today
“He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness”
NL Daily Devotion for Sunday, July 28, 2019
by Dr. Kimberly Leetch, Clergy Stuff
Main Idea: Jesus is the great High Priest that serves humanity with humility and self-sacrifice.
Jesus is referred to as the great High Priest. Here are some things we know about the high priests:
in addition to the four garments of priests (tunic, girdle, turban, and breeches that went from hip to thigh), the High Priest also wore four additional garments (an ephod—apron covering his private area, meil—a full-length coat with adornments, a hoshen—a breastplate with 12 stones for the 12 tribes of Israel, and a tzitz—gold crown-like piece that read, “Holy to the Lord).
the High Priest could only marry a virgin that had never been married
the High Priest could not touch any corpse, where priests were allowed to touch only corpses of their loved ones.
on Yom Kippur, only the High Priest could enter the Holy of Holies in the Temple to atone for the sins of the people
other duties and characteristics of the high priest included
o teaching the law
o communicating the will of God
o blessing people
o being appointed by God
o beingafirstbornson
o being washed and anointed with holy oil
o surrender to God
o offering peace offerings
o mediating between people o responsibility to judge
In Jesus’ lifetime, he fulfilled all of these. Even though he was not given the title or responsibilities of a human High Priest, it became clear after his death and resurrection that he had earned the role and responsibility of High Priest for all of humanity. And although the role of High Priest was highly revered, a good and authentic High Priest would have been truly humble, understanding his role as servant of the people. Jesus served people to the point that he gave everything he had and everything he was for humanity’s redemption.
Would you be one to give everything for the sake of others?
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