Title: "We Have a Priest"

Text: Hebrews 4:14–5:10

Introduction:

Good morning! Today, we’ll explore the glorious truth that Jesus Christ is our Great High Priest.

Hebrews 4:14 declares:

"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."

This message offers us encouragement, hope, and an invitation to draw near to God through Jesus Christ.

From this passage, we learn that Christ is:

    1    A Great High Priest

    2    An Understanding High Priest

    3    A Qualified High Priest

1. A Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14)

Throughout history, people have sought priests to stand between them and God. Even in false religions, man feels his need for someone to intercede. Yet no earthly priest can fully meet that need. Only Jesus Christ, the Son of God, can truly be our Great High Priest.

    •    He is Great in Position:

Jesus has “passed into the heavens” (v. 14). Earthly priests could only enter the temple's Holy of Holies once a year, but Jesus entered heaven itself and now sits at the right hand of God. His work is finished, and His intercession is eternal.

    •    He is Great in Person:

Jesus is both fully man and fully God. His human name, Jesus, reminds us of His sympathy and identification with our struggles. His divine title, "Son of God," lifts Him above every priest who has ever lived.

Because of this, we are called to “hold fast our profession.” The word “profession” means confession—our faith in Jesus Christ. Let us not waver but cling to Him as our only hope.

2. An Understanding High Priest (Hebrews 4:15-16)

Not only is Jesus great, but He is also understanding. Verse 15 says:

"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."

    •    He Understands Our Temptations:

Jesus faced the same root temptations we do—comfort, popularity, power, and personal gain—but He never sinned (Matthew 4:1-11). His victory over sin qualifies Him to help us overcome it.

    •    He Understands Our Sufferings:

Jesus was maligned, misunderstood, disbelieved, persecuted, and betrayed. If you have ever been falsely accused, rejected by loved ones, or mocked for your faith, remember that Jesus has walked that road and feels your pain.

Because of His understanding, we are invited to “come boldly unto the throne of grace” (v. 16). This isn’t arrogance but confidence. We can approach God with assurance, knowing we will receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need.

3. A Qualified High Priest (Hebrews 5:1-10)

Chapter 5 shows us that Jesus is not only great and understanding but also uniquely qualified to be our High Priest.

    •    The Priesthood Requires a Divine Appointment:

In the Old Testament, no one could make himself a priest. Even great kings like Saul and Uzziah were punished when they tried to take on the role of a priest. Only those called by God could serve.

Jesus was appointed by God to be “a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek” (v. 6). This means His priesthood is eternal and superior to the Levitical priesthood.

    •    The Priesthood Requires Compassion:

Earthly priests were to have compassion on the ignorant and wayward because they, too, were weak. Jesus, though sinless, experienced the full range of human suffering. He knows what it is like to be tested, tempted, and in agony.

    •    The Priesthood Requires Sacrifice:

Earthly priests had to offer sacrifices for their own sins before they could intercede for others. But Jesus, the sinless Son of God, offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.

Application: Salvation Through Our Great High Priest

Jesus’ priesthood is not just a theological concept—it’s the foundation of our salvation. Hebrews 5:9 says:

"And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him."

    •    He Provides Forgiveness:

As our High Priest, Jesus offered His own blood on the cross to atone for our sins. Romans 5:8 reminds us, “But God commendeth his love toward us, in that, while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us.”

    •    He Provides Access to God:

The veil in the temple was torn when Jesus died, symbolizing that we can now approach God directly through Him. John 14:6 says, “I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me.”

    •    He Provides Eternal Life:

Jesus’ priesthood guarantees eternal salvation to all who trust Him. Hebrews 7:25 declares: “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.”

Conclusion:

We have a Great High Priest—Jesus Christ, the Son of God. He is great in position, understanding in His compassion, and uniquely qualified to save us.

Today, if you have never trusted in Jesus as your Savior, He stands ready to forgive your sins and bring you into God’s presence. Come boldly to the throne of grace and receive mercy and help in your time of need.

Let us hold fast our confession, keep coming to Him daily, and rejoice in the eternal salvation offered through our Great High Priest.

Invitation:

The altar is open. If you need salvation, forgiveness, or strength in your trials, come to Jesus. He is waiting to intercede for you and give you victory. Will you trust Him today?