No Pressure Jesus!

"For this reason He had to be made like His brothers in everyway, in order that He might  become a merciful and faithful High Priest to God, and that He might make atonement for the sins of the people." Heb. 2:17 (NIV).

"If the anointed Kohen will sin, bringing guilt upon the people..." Lev. 4:3 (Tenach - Hebrew/English Old Testament).

Like all Jewish males Jesus was educated in the Law, the prophets and the nuances of His faith, including ceremonial rituals and requirements. He was aware of the impact of  a High Priest's sin not only on himself individually but also on the people as a whole. Guilt from the High Priest's sin was transferred to the Israelites.

Jesus understands temptation. "...tempted in every way, just as we are - yet with out sin." Heb. 4:5. Peter confirmed this, "He committed no sin, and no deceit was found in His mouth." 1 Peter 2:22. John the apostle added, "...and in Him is no sin." 1 John 3:5. Jesus knew that under the Law any dalliance with sin on the part of the High Priest had far reaching consequences...NO PRESSURE JESUS!

The bible doesn't use the word sinless to describe Jesus. Heretical? Not at all. Jesus didn't commit any sin ever, however, "God made him who had no sin to be sin for us, so that in Him we might become the righteousness of God." 1 Cor. 5:21. Given every temptation and plenty of opportunities, Jesus didn't sin in and of His own free will, but He took on all of ours.

As He stood silently across from Pilate who tried to free Him, I wonder if Jesus smiled or chuckled when the mob called for His death.

"All the people answered, 'Let His blood be on us and on our children!'" Matt. 27:25.

Their cry for His blood had ramifications they couldn't foresee. The clamor for His death was turned into a plea for His blood to cover them and their future generations. They made Jesus an offer He couldn't refuse. After His death, "He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, having obtained eternal redemption." Heb. 9:12. That redemption wasn't for Him. He didn't need it. We did.

How about you? What would one tiny misstep on Jesus' part have meant for you? What would life without reconciliation with God look like to you? Have you taken advantage of what Jesus did for you? If not, why not? Don't miss out on the greatest offer in your lifetime.