I am blatantly copying a quote I found on Pastor W's blog when plowing through his older entries.  It is such a lovely quote from Luther on Jesus being our High Priest.

Priest is a strong and lovely word. There is no lovelier or sweeter name on earth. It is much better to hear that Christ is called 'Priest,' than Lord, or any other name. Priesthood is a spiritual power which means no other than that the priest steps forth, and takes all the iniquities of the people upon himself as though they were his very own. He intercedes with God for them and receives from Him the Word with which he can comfort and help the people.... He offered Himself once for all, so that He is Himself both Priest and Sacrifice and the Altar is the Cross. No more precious sacrifice could He offer to God than He gave Himself to be slain and consumed in the fire of love. That is the true sacrifice. ~Exposition of Genesis XIV (Day by Day, p. 151) 

This calls to mind a passage from Hebrews (4:14-16) that I savor:

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.  For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin.  Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Notice that it does not say we might receive and find grace but that we may, that we will!  If we only draw near....


Lord, I believe.  Help my unbelief!