The priest served as the one appointed to act on behalf of the people before their God. They would offer gifts, prayers, and sacrifices and lead the people in the worship of their God. Every priest had to not only offer sacrifices for the sins of the people but also for themselves because they were sinful/flawed human beings. That is, until Jesus came as the greater priest. Jesus is a high priest who, in every respect, was tempted as we are but yet was without sin. Jesus can sympathize with us but also has the power to give us grace and mercy in our time of need.