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For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.  Hebrews 4:15-16

One of the beautiful aspects of the gospel of Jesus Christ is the level of community we share with Him. The idea of community refers to what we have in common with others near us.  For example, the communities in which we live have the local library, first responders, banks, roads, and stores in common.  They are part of our community because we share them together.  We also share the same needs and goals in our community.  We share these things in common because we are near to one another.  Proximity and shared interests connect others in community. 

But we have more in common with one another than libraries, roads and community goals. We all share a spiritual need to be reconciled with God in real relationship.  Jesus came into our broken, messy world to restore what we’ve lost in our selfish rebellion.  As a high priest, Jesus came to be our advocate, interceding on our behalf that we may be with God again eternally.  How did Jesus do this?  He left heaven and lived as one of us enduring the same struggles, temptations and hardships this broken world brings.  But he did what none of us could – he remained faithful to God through it all.  He was not overcome or overwhelmed by this world.  He overcame it! 

Jesus resolved our problems of sin and death so that we can be reunited with God through faith.  When we agree with God about our sin, admitting our need for Jesus to be Lord in our lives, and believe that Jesus rose from the dead to give us forgiveness and eternal life we will be rescued from an eternity far from God.  Instead, we can confidently draw near to Jesus every day and receive the mercy and grace we need.  Jesus came close to us so that we could come close to Him.  As believers in Jesus we are not far from God anymore, but now we share in community with God forever.  And in this community with Jesus we have all we need to endure. 

Let me remind you also that every believer in our Lord Jesus shares in this community together.  Church, we practice this community when we gather for worship, Bible study, missions, and ministry.  Often God extends His mercy and grace to us through the faithfulness of the people of God gathered together.  Let us share in community together often so the world around us will see the mercy and grace of Christ on display.