Our Great High Priest
Today’s Verse:
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. ~Hebrews 4:14
There are many names and designations given to the Lord Jesus Christ that represent His magnificent attributes. Beginning in Hebrews 3:1, Jesus is called our High Priest. As we consider the office of the Old Testament high priest, this ascription speaks volumes to us about the ongoing heavenly ministry that Jesus has for each of us. Let us see why Jesus alone is a Great High Priest.
We see His role.
The high priest was first among all priests. A priest represented men before God and God before men. He had a role that was spiritual in nature. Paul said that a high priest “is ordained for men in things pertaining to God.” His work was spiritual in nature. He had a role that was ceremonial in nature. He was the deliberate leader for the special sacrifices, ceremonies, and public services. His role was one that was strategic. God used the high priest to communicate the oracles of God. Jesus, as our Great High Priest, does all that because He ever liveth. He is great because He is the Son of God Who brings us to God. He is great because He is a perpetual High Priest Who is eternal. He is a Great High Priest because He is touched with the feeling of our infirmities. He is great because He is a High Priest Who is personal with us.
We see His responsibility.
The high priest was the only one qualified to perform the necessary sacrifice of a lamb for the Passover and a goat for the Day of Atonement. These sacrifices were for both him and the people. They were annual atonements for sin. However, because every high priest was taken from among men, the sacrifices were necessary every year. Jesus is our Great High Priest because He was the most excellent Sacrifice: He was the Lamb for sinners slain. Jesus, as our High Priest, gave His life sacrificially and satisfied God’s righteous demands for sin. This is why He is our Great High Priest.
We see the relief.
What encourages me about Jesus being our Great High Priest is the relief that He gives to every believer. When He ascended into Heaven, He was our High Priest, ever living to make intercession for us. He prays for us. He always brings us before the throne of God. Because of Jesus, we can obtain mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. “He giveth more grace as our burdens grow greater, He sendeth more strength as our labors increase.” When we are grieved, He gives us comfort. When we are weak, He makes us strong. When we feel at our wits’ end, He gives us exactly what we need.
What a Great High Priest! He is perpetual. He is Personal. He is powerful. He is plentiful. Jesus is our Great High Priest.
Have a grace-filled God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Isaiah 64-66