Be Ye Perfect Even As Your Father Which Is In Heaven is Perfect - Part 721

In contrast to the high priests and the sacrifices made in the Old Testament, Jesus brought a new living covenant to humanity. In fact, when Jesus shed His precious blood on the cross, He entered through the second veil into the holy of holies, where was the symbol of the majesty of God -- Jesus -- our High Priest bringing His ultimate plan of salvation to humanity. (Clark's Commentary re: Hebrews 4:14)  

As a consequence, "we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are -- yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly unto the Throne of Grace that we might obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need." (Hebrews 4:15-16)

But as we know from the historical record, the Jews did not accept Jesus as the King of Jews. Instead, they pointed to a lack of a tabernacle or temple or high priest or blood sacrifice as legitimate criticisms against Jesus' good news message of HIs Kingdom. Further, the Scribes and Pharisees relied solely on the Law and the Ten Commandments for their justification, salvation and righteousness.

However, Hebrews 4:14 states, "Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God -- let us hold fast our profession." For as Jesus told His disciples in the mountain, "I say unto you, that except your righteousness shall exceed the righteousness of the Scribes and Pharisees, ye shall in no case enter into the kingdom of heaven." (Matthew 5:20) In other words, the religious of the day already kept the commandments. Nevertheless, their actions, in and of itself, could not bring salvation. Only the blood of Jesus could wash us clean. 

Moreover, Jesus said, "Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfil. For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled."

This is why Jesus compelled each and every one of us to love our enemies -- even when it requires travelling two miles instead of one. And similarly to give to him that asketh thee, and from him that would borrow of thee turn not to turn him away. Indeed, you have heard that it hath been said, "Thou shalt love thy neighbour, and hate thine enemy." (Matthew 5:38-43)

"Bless them that curse you -- do good to them that hate you -- and pray for them which despitefully use you and persecute you that you may be the children of your Father which is in Heaven, for He makes His sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Jesus did not discriminate. 

"For if you love them which love you, what reward have you? Do not even the publicans the same? And if you salute your brethren only, what do you more than others? Do not even the publicans so? Be ye therefore perfect, even as your Father which is in Heaven is perfect."

Acknowledge Jesus' gift of salvation into your life today. Come boldly unto the Throne of Grace.  "Willingly desire to do His will" becoming the sons and daughters of the Most High -- the same Lord God who became our Saviour. Stand in the offering plate.