HOW JESUS CHRIST CAN HELP US

What Sort of High Priest Is Jesus?

The picture of Jesus Christ painted in the Gospel accounts leaves us with no doubt about his helpfulness and tender compassion.  How self-sacrificing he was!  On more than one occasion, his privacy was interrupted when he and his disciples were trying to get much-needed rest.  Rather than feeling cheated out of precious moments of peace and quiet, "he was moved with pity" for the people who sought his assistance.  Even when Jesus was tired, hungry and thirsty,  "he received them kindly" and was willing to forgo food if he could help sincere sinners. -Mark 6:31-34; Luke 9:11-17; John 4:4-6, 31-34.

 Moved with pity, Jesus took practical steps  to fill people's physical, emotional and spiritual needs.  (Matthew 9:35-38; Mark 6:35-44)  Furthermore, he taught them to find lasting relief and comfort.  (John 4:7-30, 39-42)  How inviting, for example, is his personal invitation:  "Come to me, all you who are toiling and loaded down, and I will refresh you.  Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am mild-tempered and lowly in heart, and you will find refreshment for your souls." -Matthew 11:28, 29.

Jesus' love for people was so great that he ultimately gave his life for sinful mankind.  (Romans 5:6-8)  In this regard the apostle Paul reasoned:  'He  [Jehovah God] who did not even spare his own Son but delivered him up for us all, why will he not also with him kindly give us all other things? . . . Christ Jesus is the one who died,yes, rather the one who was raise  up from the dead, who is on the right hand of God, who also pleads for us." -Romans 8:32-34.

Next time: A High Priest Who Can Sympathize

Watchtower, 2000