As we GIVE we find that sacrifice brings forth the BLESSINGS of heaven; and in the end, we learn it was no sacrifice at all. – Spencer Kimball
“During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5:7-10
We understand a baseball batter might bunt a ball, sacrificing his chance to get on base in order to let another player advance a base. Or a chess player who sacrifices his most valuable queen in order to win the game. We understand a parent’s sacrifice to eat less or live on less, in order to feed and support a child. We understand, though remain in awe of, a soldier’s sacrifice in order to save their platoon and to preserve freedom for unknown others. But when it comes to the sacrifice Jesus offered, I wonder if we can really comprehend the full price He paid.
For some of you, the idea of a high priest who represents the people before God, is a foreign concept. But that is how it was in Old Testament days. Jesus is described as the ultimate high priest who represents us before God. He sacrificed who He was in order to pay the price for our rebelliousness and sin. He is able to deal with us when we are tempted because He himself was tempted. He relates to our pain when we find ourselves in some desert experience because He was led into the desert. During His days on earth He prayed for us to His Heavenly father, who heard Him.
We are called to follow in His steps, to live in a humble and sacrificial manner that denies self, honors God, and serves others. Do you know of any other way to respond to such a gift as Jesus gave us? Let’s step up to the call to live sacrificially so others can know this great Jesus.
“Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.” Hebrews 5:1-4
