19- 3/11- 3^rd Sunday in Lent- (WLC- 39)

Q. 39. Why was it requisite that the mediator should be man?
A. It was requisite that the mediator should be man, that he might advance our nature, perform obedience to the law, suffer and make intercession for us in our nature, have a fellow-feeling of our infirmities; that we might receive the adoption of sons, and have comfort and access with boldness unto the throne of grace.

For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus (1 Tim. 2:5)

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. ¹⁵ For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. (Hebrews 4:14-15)

Thoughts: Lest we think God is uncaring, He came.  He was tired, He was thirsty, He suffered on the cross, He felt our mocking and persecution and the nails.  So we do not have a great high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but He was tempted in every way.   Christ came to show us it is possible and better to resist temptation.  One of the favorite titles Jesus used of Himself was "Son of Man."  Christ was indeed divine, but He is not so far above us that He is not "God with us"- Immanuel. 

Prayer: Thank you for showing me Jesus, that it is possible and wonderful to resist sin.  Keep me from despair, but show mercy to me.  

(Christ before Pilate- Jan Van Almsted 1542)