March 11, 2026 

In Hebrews 4:14–16, the writer reminds believers that Jesus, our great high priest, understands human weakness because He experienced life as we do. Because of Him, we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, knowing that we will receive mercy and help when we need it most.

Devotional: One of the quiet struggles many people carry is the feeling that they should stay at a distance from God.

It may come from guilt over something we regret. It may come from the belief that we should have been stronger, wiser, or more faithful than we were. Sometimes we simply feel unworthy of bringing our real lives before God.

When that feeling settles in, our instinct is often to step back. We pray less. We avoid quiet moments of reflection. We promise ourselves that once we get our lives together, then we will come back to God more seriously.

Hebrews speaks directly to that instinct.

Instead of telling us to stay away until we are better, the writer encourages us to draw near. The reason is not our strength or our spiritual maturity. The reason is Jesus.

Hebrews calls Him our “great high priest,” the one who stands between humanity and God. But this priest is unlike any other because He understands what it means to be human. Jesus experienced hunger, fatigue, disappointment, and temptation. He walked through the ordinary struggles of life.

That means when we approach God, we are not approaching someone who is distant from our reality.

We are approaching the One who understands it.

Because of that, Hebrews invites us to come “with confidence” to the throne of grace. Confidence here does not mean arrogance or pretending we have everything figured out. It means we are free to come honestly, knowing that mercy is waiting for us there.

Grace is not a reward for people who have already solved their problems.

Grace is help for people who need it.

During Lent, that truth becomes especially important. As we examine our hearts and notice the places where change is needed, it would be easy to fall into discouragement. We might feel overwhelmed by how much work still lies ahead.

Hebrews gently redirects our focus.

The goal of spiritual reflection is not to leave us feeling defeated. The goal is to draw us closer to the One who can actually help us grow. God’s throne is not described as a place of accusation. It is called the throne of grace.

That is where mercy lives.

That is where strength is given.

That is where weary hearts find the help they need.

Instead of standing at a distance, Lent invites us to take a step closer.

Not because we have everything together, but because Jesus has opened the way.

Action: Set aside a few quiet minutes today to pray honestly about something weighing on your heart. Instead of holding back, bring it directly to God and trust that mercy is waiting.

Prayer: Gracious God, thank You that through Jesus I am able to come close to You without fear. You know my weaknesses, my worries, and the places where I struggle. Help me trust that Your throne is truly a place of grace and mercy. Give me courage to bring my whole life before You and to receive the help You promise. In Jesus’ name I pray. Amen.

Thought for the Day: God’s throne is not a place to fear, but a place where mercy meets us.

Hebrews 4 reminds us that because of Jesus, we can approach God with confidence. Lent invites us to draw near and receive the mercy and help we need.