“For we do not have a great High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Hebrews 4:14-16. “For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also beset by weakness. Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.” Heb. 5:1-3. Jesus experienced the weakness of man in the days of His flesh; and those who live according to the flesh must die. Rom. 8:13. So that Jesus might not have to die, He “offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest ‘according to the order of Melchizedek.’” Heb. 5. Jesus brought all these sacrifices in the days of His flesh so that He might be without sin. Instead of sinning, He learned obedience. Therefore the new covenant with God, for which Jesus is a guarantor, is: “Therefore, when He came into the world, He said: ‘Sacrifice and offering You did not desire, but a body You have prepared for Me. In burnt offerings and sacrifices for sin You had no pleasure. Then I said, “Behold, I have come—in the volume of the book it is written of Me—to do Your will, O God.”’” Heb. 10:5-10. When Jesus died, He was the sin offering for us. “Knowing that you were not redeemed with corruptible things, like silver or gold, from your aimless conduct received by tradition from your fathers, but with the precious blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.” 1 Pet. 1:18-19. Read also verse 17. Therefore He has become a guarantor for a better covenant, and we can draw near to God with a better hope. “Therefore He is also able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through Him, since He ever lives to make intercession for them.” Heb. 7:25.Sigurd Bratlie