This series feeds our appetite for a good courtroom drama. It concludes with one of the most shocking plot twists you will ever encounter! The characters are real, and any representation of their true nature is intentional. The stage has been set. You are on trial. You stand accused. And so do I.

Opposite the prosecutor in this grand courtroom drama, we find our Defense Lawyer. He is a public defender – available to each of us, free of charge – but he’s the best public defender you’ve ever seen. As much as I hate the prosecutor we introduced last time, I even more so love my defense lawyer. Most of you will recognize him immediately but allow me to introduce him:

Nothing in all creation is hidden from God’s sight. Everything is uncovered and laid bare before the eyes of Him to whom we must give account. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin. – Hebrews 4:13-15

The Jewish High Priest was one who was set apart from the congregation and was the only one who could enter the Holy of Holies – the place where the very presence of the Almighty God resided. The book of Hebrews proclaims that Jesus Christ is our new and forever high priest. And he understands us! At the appointed time in history, Jesus left his Father’s presence in heaven, was born into life as a humble human being among us. And as he lived, he underwent the same temptation and testing that we do today. We read above that he can “empathize” with what we are going through. He doesn’t merely understand what we’re going through, it breaks his heart.

The book of Hebrews gives us further information about our defender:

This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. – Hebrews 7:22-25

For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands… but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. – Hebrews 9:24

You see, whereas the high priests of old had to enter a man-made temple that was constructed as a replica of the throne room of heaven, Jesus is in the actual throne room of heaven! And he lives to make intercession for us, appearing in the presence of God on our behalf.

High drama! We’ve got two of the key players identified so far. I love my defense lawyer, but I cannot forget about the constant battering I am taking from the prosecutor. It may seem like my chances are pretty good; but I must be honest with you. I’m going to say something right here that I haven’t admitted so far. I’m guilty! Unfortunately for me, the prosecutor doesn’t have to get all that crafty to level charges against me. How is this going to turn out? I’m on the edge of my seat, how about you?