Christ the High Priest

Hebrews 4:14–5:10 ESV

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. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 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. For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Sympathizing high priest

Hebrews 4:14–16 ESV

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. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. 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.

Christ suffered every temptation

Did not sin

Some people have a holier than thou complex not Jesus

He offers mercy and grace

We can draw near the throne with Confidence

boldness of a child

We have not because we do not ask in faith

Mediating High priest

Hebrews 5:1–3 ESV

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.

Priest serves as the mediator between God and man

Most offer gifts and sacrifices for Sin

Jesus offered himself

Most offer sacrifices for themselves then for others

Jesus needed no sacrifice for himself

Timeless High Priest

Hebrews 5:4–6 ESV

And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

All are called to be high priest

Even Aaron had a beginning and an end

Yet Christ was a priest forever just as Melchizedek

Melchizedek Was the priest-king of the Lord who lived in Salem Later to be Jerusalem to whom Abraham made tithes too after rescuing Lot from the 4 kings who took him away.

Melchizedek has no recorded birth or death just as Jesus existed before his birth and though he died he still lives.

Suffering High Priest

Hebrews 5:7–10 ESV

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Jesus suffered throughout his life on the behalf of others.

Imagine God who hates sin coming and living among us his sinful creatures seeing through human eyes the suffering we put each other through.

Indeed often he suffered himself at the hands of others leading up to his ultimate suffering on the cross.

Yet he was obedient to God through all of it and thus became the source of salvation for all mankind.

The ultimate High Priest for he offers the best mediation possible - reunification between man and God by the forgiveness of our sins and the cleansing of all unrighteousness.