July 21-25

A Friend in High Places

“Since then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.”— Hebrews 4:14 ESV

A man named David Weber got his head stuck between two bars of a public fence in the UK. Firefighters had to saw the bars apart to free him. When asked what happened, he said, “I thought my phone fell through, so I stuck my head in to look, and got wedged.” Moral? Sometimes you need outside help to get unstuck. Fortunately, David had rescuers with tools. Spiritually, we often get stuck in fear, temptation, or failure, and our only hope is a friend in high places.

Hebrews 4:14 introduces Jesus as our “great high priest,” who has “passed through the heavens.” This imagery reflects both His divine authority and His compassionate mission. As the Son of God, Jesus is not distant or indifferent. Rather, He stands before God on our behalf interceding, advocating, and inviting us to draw near. This verse calls us to “hold fast our confession,” because our Savior has already ascended to Heaven. When you feel like your spiritual head is stuck between the bars of life, shame, regret, and confusion, you’re not alone. You’ve got a friend in Jesus with heavenly access and ultimate authority.

Reflection Questions:
1. In what area of your life do you need Jesus to “rescue” you right now?
2. What makes it hard to “hold fast” to your confession when times are difficult?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being my high priest and my heavenly advocate. Remind me that You’ve already gone before me, and give me the strength to cling to my faith today. Amen.

A Friend Who Can Sympathize

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” — Hebrews 4:15 ESV
In the 1930s, a young pastor named Dietrich Bonhoeffer returned to Nazi Germany, knowing full well it could cost him his life. While many clergy distanced themselves from danger, Bonhoeffer stood with the suffering church. He wrote, “Only a suffering God can help.” He meant that Jesus doesn’t just reign above our pain; He stepped into it.

Hebrews 4:15 reveals this truth: Jesus doesn’t merely “know about” temptation; He has experienced it. He felt hunger, loneliness, betrayal, exhaustion, and injustice. Yet He never sinned. His perfection doesn’t distance Him from us; it qualifies Him to truly sympathize. He gets it. When you’re tempted, tired, or afraid, you’re not praying to a distant deity. You’re talking to Someone who has walked the same dusty roads and fought the same battles. Jesus is not a cold judge but a warm-hearted friend who knows your weakness and offers strength.

Reflection Questions:
1. How does it change your view of God to know that Jesus has experienced your struggles?
2. What area of weakness in your life needs His grace and strength today?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for walking where I walk and feeling what I feel. You know my weaknesses, and yet You still love me. Give me the courage to come to You when I’m struggling. Amen.

A Friend Who Provides Grace

“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” — Hebrews 4:16 ESV

A man was late for an important interview and couldn’t find a parking spot downtown. Circling the block for the third time, he finally prayed: “Lord, if you give me a parking spot, I promise I’ll go to church every Sunday, give up junk food, and even join the choir!” Right then, a car pulled out of the perfect spot, right by the building. The man paused, then muttered, “Never mind, Lord, I found one myself.”
We laugh, but don’t we often treat God’s provision like that? Hebrews 4:16 reminds us we don’t have to beg or bargain. Because of Jesus, we can approach God with confidence, knowing He’s ready to help not just with parking spots, but with deep spiritual needs. Hebrews 4:16 invites us to “draw near” to God’s throne. The imagery here is royal: In ancient times, you couldn’t approach a king without risk of death unless you were summoned. But in Christ, this is the throne of grace, not guilt. Whatever you’re facing today, you don’t have to face it alone or afraid.

Reflection Questions:
1. What keeps you from coming confidently to God when you’re in need?
2. What would it look like to fully receive His grace and mercy this week?

Suggested Prayer:
Father, thank You for opening the throne of grace to me through Jesus. Help me come boldly, not because I’m good, but because He is. I need Your mercy today. Amen.

A Friend Who Meets the Requirements

“For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.” — Hebrews 5:1 ESV

During the NFL Draft, teams look for players who meet very specific requirements like speed, size, skill, and football IQ. Scouts analyze everything from how high a player can jump to how well he answers trick questions under pressure. Why? Because the team’s success depends on it. Similarly, Old Testament priests had to meet strict requirements to represent people before God.

Hebrews 5:1-4 outlines those qualifications: priests had to be chosen from among men, appointed by God, and able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward. But even the best priests were flawed and had to offer sacrifices for their own sins. That’s where Jesus is different. As the sinless Son of God, He surpasses every standard. He was appointed by God (v. 5), perfected through suffering (v. 8–9), and now serves as our eternal High Priest. He met every requirement and then some. You’re not relying on a spiritual substitute. You have the MVP, the One who never fails.

Reflection Questions:
1. What’s one reason Jesus is uniquely qualified to be your High Priest?
2. How does knowing He was “appointed” for you give you confidence today?

Suggested Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for perfectly meeting the requirements to represent me before the Father. You are worthy of my trust and worship. Teach me to rest in what You’ve already done. Amen.

A Friend Who Can Save

“And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.” — Hebrews 5:9 ESV

Years ago, a man named Nicholas Winton quietly saved 669 children from Nazi death camps by organizing their transport from Czechoslovakia to England. He never told anyone. Decades later, the BBC surprised him by seating him in a room full of the now-grown children he saved. He wept as they stood in gratitude. A quiet hero with a powerful legacy.

Hebrews 5:9 tells us that Jesus is the source of eternal salvation. Unlike Old Testament priests who had to repeat sacrifices, Jesus’ death and resurrection accomplished salvation once and for all. His obedience even unto death means your sin has been paid for, your future secured. He doesn’t just save you from something (hell); He saves you to something which is eternal life, adoption, and glory. Salvation isn’t a vague feeling or a moral improvement plan; it’s rooted in the perfect obedience of Jesus, who alone is able to save completely. You’ve got a friend who offered Himself to help you.

Reflection Questions:
1. Have you trusted Jesus as the source of your salvation? What does that mean to you personally?
2. In what ways does His obedience invite your own daily obedience?

Suggested Prayer:
Lord Jesus, thank You for being my Savior, not just my helper. Your obedience has secured my eternity. Help me walk in faith and follow You today. Amen.