Jesus, Our Great High Priest

Welcome to our study of God's dwelling place! In our journey to understand the sanctuary message, we've seen how the earthly sanctuary pointed to a greater reality. Today, we turn our gaze heavenward to understand the vital role of Jesus Christ, our High Priest, ministering for us in the true sanctuary. He is not just a distant figure, but a compassionate, effective, and eternal intercessor who understands our struggles and provides constant access to God's grace. Let's open our Bibles and discover the profound comfort and assurance found in Jesus, our great High Priest.

Our Great High Priest Who Has Passed Through the Heavens

The book of Hebrews paints a magnificent picture of Jesus' ministry. It introduces Him as a High Priest far superior to any on earth, holding a position of unparalleled authority and power.

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

This verse immediately elevates our understanding of Jesus. He is "a great high priest," not confined to an earthly tent or temple, but one who has "passed into the heavens." This signifies His triumphant ascent after His resurrection, taking His rightful place at the right hand of God. His heavenly ministry is not a shadow or a type, but the glorious reality to which all earthly priesthoods pointed. Because He is "Jesus the Son of God," His priesthood carries divine authority and eternal efficacy. Knowing this truth should strengthen our faith and encourage us to "hold fast our profession," remaining steadfast in our commitment to Him.

A High Priest Who Can Be Touched with the Feeling of Our Infirmities

Perhaps one of the most comforting aspects of Jesus' heavenly ministry is His profound understanding and compassion for our human experience.

For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin.

Hebrews 4:15

Unlike an earthly priest who might sympathize from a distance, Jesus truly knows what it's like to be human. He "was in all points tempted like as we are." He experienced hunger, weariness, sorrow, and the full range of human emotions. He faced the devil's most cunning temptations, yet He never yielded to sin. This makes Him uniquely qualified to be "touched with the feeling of our infirmities." He doesn't just understand our struggles intellectually; He understands them experientially.

The Bible further elaborates on this compassionate nature:

Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.

Hebrews 2:17-18

Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.

Hebrews 5:2

Jesus' earthly life, including His suffering and temptations, was essential to His role as our High Priest. He learned obedience through suffering, demonstrating His perfect submission to God's will.

Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;

Hebrews 5:7-8

Because He has walked in our shoes, He is not only compassionate but also fully equipped to "succour" – to help and assist – us in our times of temptation and weakness.

Bold Access to the Throne of Grace

What does this compassionate High Priest mean for us? It means we have direct, unhindered access to God's presence and His amazing grace.

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

Hebrews 4:16

Because Jesus is our High Priest, we don't need to fear approaching God. We are invited to "come boldly unto the throne of grace." This is not a throne of judgment for the believer, but a throne from which mercy and grace flow freely. We can approach with confidence, knowing that Jesus, our sympathetic High Priest, stands on our behalf. He secures for us "mercy" for our past failures and "grace to help in time of need" for our present and future challenges. What a privilege to have such a divine advocate!

An Eternal and Effective High Priest

Unlike the priests of the earthly sanctuary who were mortal and whose ministry ended with death, Jesus holds an eternal priesthood.

But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood.

Hebrews 7:24

His priesthood is "unchangeable" because He "continueth ever." There is no end to His ministry, no successor needed. This eternal nature guarantees the continuous effectiveness of His work for us.

Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.

Hebrews 7:25

Because He lives forever, He is "able also to save them to the uttermost." This means His salvation is complete, perfect, and all-encompassing, covering every aspect of our lives and every challenge we face. His continuous intercession ensures that we are always represented before God. He is constantly pleading His merits on our behalf, securing our salvation. His character perfectly suits His role:

For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;

Hebrews 7:26

Jesus is the perfect High Priest—holy, without sin, and elevated above all creation. His heavenly ministry is ongoing, powerful, and eternally effective for all who come to God through Him.

Conclusion

Jesus Christ is indeed our great High Priest. He ministers for us in the heavenly sanctuary, not with the blood of animals, but with the eternal efficacy of His own perfect life and sacrifice. He is compassionate, having experienced our human struggles, yet without sin. Because of His ministry, we have bold access to God's throne of grace, where we can find mercy and timely help. His priesthood is eternal and unchangeable, ensuring His continuous and complete ability to save us "to the uttermost." What an incredible truth to anchor our faith!

Reflection Questions

1. Read Hebrews 4:14-16 again. How does knowing that Jesus "was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin" change your perspective on His ability to help you with your personal struggles?
2. What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is "touched with the feeling of our infirmities"? How does this comfort you?
3. Hebrews 4:16 invites us to "come boldly unto the throne of grace." What might prevent us from coming boldly, and how can understanding Jesus' role as High Priest help us overcome those barriers?
4. Consider Hebrews 7:25. What does it mean that Jesus "ever liveth to make intercession for them" and is "able also to save them to the uttermost"?
5. How does Jesus' eternal and unchangeable priesthood (Hebrews 7:24) provide a greater sense of security and assurance than the temporary priesthoods of the earthly sanctuary?
6. In what specific areas of your life do you need to "obtain mercy" and "find grace to help in time of need" this week? How will you approach the throne of grace, knowing Jesus is your High Priest?