Hebrews 4:14-5:10

Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness, and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. And one does not presume to take this honor but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest but was appointed by the one who said to him,

“You are my Son;
    today I have begotten you”;

as he says also in another place,

“You are a priest forever,
    according to the order of Melchizedek.”

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered, and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
 

Today's Reflective Questions

• How have arrogance and pride in your life hindered your relationship with God and others?
• Which behaviors, disciplines, or teachings of Christ reveal his humble spirit?
• What steps will you take this week to develop a heart more open to God so you may embody a spirit of humility?

This Week's Lenten Focus: Humility

This Lenten season, Bishop David Wilson, along with some conference staff and members of the laity, are inviting the people of the Great Plains Conference and beyond to “Pay Attention to God’s Voice” during this season of Lent. The theme for this week is Humility.

Humility is freeing ourselves from the false wisdom of arrogance and pride and emerges when our heart becomes pliable to the presence and righteousness of God. The season of Lent is a time of deep self-examination and true acknowledgement of what we are willing to put aside to fully embrace and embody our God.  

Humility is not an automatic response for us. It is challenging for us to turn away from the urging of our inner desires and to put ourselves aside in the interest of God and others; however, God gives us the power of the Holy Spirit to do so. If we are humble enough to obediently submit and surrender to God, we experience restoration, and our lives are beautifully transformed. We become more peaceful, more loving, and more giving and forgiving. 

Through the presence of humility, we develop hearts of gratitude and we become more self-aware of who we are in Christ. Through the presence of humility, our choices remove us more and more from the urgings of the world and draw us nearer and closer to God.

• Watch a video featuring Rev. Kathy Williams and Rev. Orlando Gallardo Parra talking about humility. 
• Watch a video featuring Bishop David Wilson inviting you to observe a Holy Lent.
• To learn more, check out this special page on our website dedicated to our Lenten topics.

Invitation to Go Deeper

Go outside. Look around and repeat to yourself, “I am nothing but a spec in God’s big universe.” 

Prayer for Reflection

Other texts from today’s lectionary:

• Psalm 32
• Genesis 4:1-16
• Hebrews 4:14-5:10