Last night, the Catholic Church elected a new pope. The white smoke billowed from the Vatican chimney, signaling to the world: Habemus Papam — “We have a pope.”
And as a guy who grew up Southern Baptist, my first thought was… Huh. We used smoke too. But it usually meant someone was firing up the grill out back for a church barbecue.
Now don’t get me wrong—I’m not here to take shots at Catholics. I know some wonderful, faithful Catholics who love Jesus. But watching all the pomp and tradition unfold got me thinking…
As Christians, we don’t need a pope to access God.
We don’t need a special robe, a vote, a title, a chimney, or even a cookout (although, let’s be honest—Jesus did some of His best work around food).
Because when Jesus died on the cross, He did something that no man, no pope, no priest ever could. He became our High Priest. Our Mediator. Our once-and-for-all sacrifice. And He tore the veil between us and God wide open.
Hebrews 4:14–16 (ESV) says:
"Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession… 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."
That’s not reserved for clergy. It’s not something you need a collar for. It’s an open invitation.
Jesus didn’t just make a way for important people to talk to God. He made a way for you.
The smoke from the Vatican is symbolic. But the fire that burned on the cross—that was eternal. That was for everyone.
So whether you’re watching Catholic tradition unfold on your screen, or you’re flipping burgers at your church picnic, don’t forget the greatest truth of all:
We already have a Shepherd. A Mediator. A Risen King. And His name is Jesus.
And the only smoke you need to worry about?
Is whether it’s coming from the grill or from letting your faith burn bright in a world full of fog.
