Our Great High Priest
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
Our Scripture this morning gives us great encouragement. 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.
There is the role of our great high priest.
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. He was God’s man to the people and God’s man for representing the people to God. 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 of that because He ever liveth. He is great because Jesus is the Son of God Who brings us to God. He is great because Jesus 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.
There is the responsibility of our great high priest.
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. This sacrifice was for both him and the people. It was an annual atonement for sin. However, because every high priest was taken from among men, the sacrifice was 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.
There is the relief from our great high priest.
What encourages me about Jesus being our great high Priest is the relief that He gives to us. When He ascended into Heaven, He is our high Priest Who ever lives to make intercession for us. He prays for us! He brings us before the throne of God at all times. Because of Jesus, we can obtain mercy and find grace to help us in time of need. He gives us more grace when the burdens grow greater. He sends more strength when the labors increase. When we are grieved, He gives us comfort. When we are weak, He makes us strong. When we feel like we are at our wit's 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