For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin. Hebrews 4:14

 The high priest had an awesome responsibility. As God’s representative among the people, the high priest was supposed to stand before God on the Day of Atonement and sprinkle blood to cover his sins and the sins of his people. Aware of his responsibility and his sin, he was to be among the most humble of God’s people.

 But sadly, in Jesus’ day, this was not how the high priest viewed his position. Certainly he would go into the Holy of Holies to sprinkle the sacrificial blood. But in doing so, he would carry out the letter of the law while denying its spirit. Rather than dwelling as a fellow sinner among his people, the high priest now became a celebrity of high status. He cared more about his privilege and position than he did about the spiritual needs of his people.

 How wonderfully different the true High Priest of God was. Jesus came to be with His people: with sinners and tax collectors and prostitutes. He came to be with those who so messed up their lives they had nowhere else to turn. He came to be with those who could only beat their chests and confess, “Have mercy on me, a sinner.”

 Jesus did not live a separate life in lofty grandeur above the common person. He lived among sinners. And He, Himself, experienced temptation. Though He never fell into the devil’s trap, He knew, and He knows, the weight of temptation. He can sympathize with us. He can empathize with us in our struggle.

 But most importantly, He did not merely sprinkle the blood of goats and rams on the altar. He came before the Father bearing His own blood, the blood that flowed freely down the cross of Golgotha. He paid the sacrifice that we rightly should have paid, the sacrifice of our lives. He is a true high priest that serves His people. As we enter the season of Lent, let us be comforted by this truth.

  Blessings,

Frank Van Brocklin Principal/Staff Minister

Coming up next week at Immanuel Lutheran School:

❖ Wednesday, March 2 Ash Wednesday Service - 1:00 PM - Junior Handbells

❖ Wednesday, March 2 ILSA Providing Lenten Meal - 5:00 PM

❖ Friday, March 4 Basketball - Away vs. Zion - 5:30 PM and 6:30 PM

❖ Sunday, March 6 Together We Shine - NLHS - 12:00 -3:00 PM

❖ Monday, March 7 School Board Meeting - 6:00 PM

❖ Wednesday, March 9 Chapel - 8:30 AM

❖ Thursday, March 10 ILSA Meeting - 6:00 PM

❖ Friday, March 11 All Sports Night - 6:00 PM-10:00 PM