In Jesus’ Name: Great High Priest

As it is the eve of Palm Sunday, I had planned to post an image of Jesus’ triumphal entry into Jerusalem riding a donkey and consider his name Lord and King. But the spirit decided otherwise and I was drawn into contemplation of this remarkable image by French artist James Tissot (1836-1902) which cast me back into the story of Jesus as he was tempted for 40 days in the desert.

At once the Spirit sent him out into the desert, and he was in the desert for forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and angels attended him. ~ Mark 1: 12-13

Jesus Ministered to by Angels, 1886-94, James Tissot, Opaque watercolor over graphite on gray woven paper, 6 11/16 x 9 3/4 inches, Brooklyn Museum, Image Source

As I viewed and considered the best name of Jesus for this image, I was given new insight– I thought –it is interesting how some of Jesus’ names are titles we relate to on a humanistic or earthly plan. Jesus as our Lord, Savior, King, Friend, Great Physician, Good Shepherd and even Immanuel are all descriptive names that endeavor to bridge our earthly understanding and build our relationship to him in our daily lives.

And yet still other names that are found in Holy Scripture are names that describe Jesus’ relationship to the God head and the angels in the heavenly realms. Therefore to meditate on Jesus as the Great High Priest is to think about his role in heaven as he pleads on our behave before the Father.

This painting by Tissot eloquently express what the Hebrew writer is teaching us here:

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has gone through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weakness, but we have one who is tempted in everyday, just as we are, — yet without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in out time of need.~ Hebrews 4: 14-16

To see the angels as they comfort Jesus, giving him new strength, opens my eyes and heart to see the unseen mystical union of heaven and earth.

I hope and pray that you will become open to the angels as they surround our Great High Priest and reach their hands out to tenderly protect and guide your lives each day.

If you make the most High your dwelling–even the Lord, who is my refuge- then no harm will befall you, no disaster will come near your tent. For he will command his angels concerning you to guard you in all your ways; they will lift you up in their hands, so that you will not strike your foot against a stone. ~ Psalm 91: 9-12

May the Lord, who is our High Priest, bless you and keep you, may he make his face to shine upon you and give you peace.

In Jesus’ Name

Amen