SRI Week 3

Intro:

Introduction (5 minutes)

Illustration: Have you ever tried to enter a place you weren’t allowed to go? Maybe a “restricted area” at work, or an “employees only” door in a store? You don’t just walk in — you need special access. You need clearance.

The Old Testament paints a similar picture when it comes to approaching God. People couldn’t just walk into His presence. Only the high priest, once a year, could enter the Most Holy Place to intercede for the people. The priest had clearance — but even that access was limited and imperfect.

But then Jesus came. And everything changed.

1. Jesus Is Our Great High Priest (8 minutes)

Text: Hebrews 4:14 "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."

The author of Hebrews draws a powerful connection between Jesus and the role of the high priest.

In the Old Testament, the high priest would pass through the veil into the Holy of Holies to offer sacrifice. Jesus has passed through the heavens — not just a curtain, but into the very presence of God!

Unlike the Levitical priests, Jesus isn’t appointed based on lineage or ritual. As David Schrock notes, His qualification comes through His sonship and indestructible life (Heb. 5:1–10).

He is our great High Priest — superior in position, power, and purpose.

Illustration: Imagine needing help at the highest level — not customer service, but the CEO. Jesus is not just a mediator; He is seated in the place of ultimate authority, representing you directly before God.

Application: Because of who Jesus is — fully God, fully man, exalted in the heavens — we can hold fast to our confession of faith. We have someone in heaven who knows us by name and speaks on our behalf.

2. Jesus Understands Our Struggles (8 minutes)

Text: Hebrews 4:15 "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses..."

This is good news! Jesus isn’t distant. He doesn’t represent us with cold detachment.

He was tempted in every way, yet without sin. He walked our path, felt our pain, cried our tears.

N.T. Wright highlights that unlike a priest who offered sacrifices for his own sins too, Jesus was sinless — but still deeply compassionate (Heb. 5:7–8).

Illustration: Think of a doctor who not only treats patients but once battled the same illness. That’s Jesus — He’s not just qualified; He relates to us.

Application: Whatever you're facing — fear, doubt, temptation, failure — Jesus is able to sympathize with you. And He still stands for you. He’s not disappointed in you. He’s sympathetic, merciful, and ready to help.

3. Jesus Grants Us Access to God’s Throne (7 minutes)

Text: Hebrews 4:16 "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."

Under the old covenant, only one man, once a year, could approach God. Now, anyone in Christ can come any time with confidence.

Now, this isn’t confidence due to our own ability, but confidence due to Christ’s

Playing in a 4 man scramble - confidence because Jesus is on the team

The “throne of grace” is not a place of judgment but a place of help — a throne where mercy flows.

N.T. Wright reminds us: we are not “shouting across a great gulf” to get God's attention. We are already welcomed into His presence.

Illustration: Imagine a child bursting into their parent’s office — they don’t knock, they don’t hesitate, they just go in because they know they’re loved. That’s the access we have through Jesus.

Application: When you’re struggling, don't run from God — run to Him. Jesus opened the door. The access is yours. Come boldly.

4. Jesus Is the Final Priest, and He Makes Us Right with God (5 minutes)

The Old Testament priests symbolized something far greater — but they couldn’t fully solve the problem of sin.

As N.T. Wright puts it, Jesus fulfilled what the priesthood could only do in part and imperfectly.

He is the final priest — not one of many, but the one who completed the work once and for all (see Hebrews 7:27).

Hebrews 7:27 NIV

27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself.

Through His sacrifice, atonement is made — not just temporarily covering sin, but removing it.

Illustration: The old system was like applying band-aids. Jesus brought the cure.

Application: You don’t have to earn your way to God or prove your worth. Jesus has already done the work. Rest in His grace.

Conclusion and Call to Response (3 minutes)

So where does that leave us today?

We have a High Priest in heaven who loves us.

We have access to God because of Jesus.

We have a Savior who knows our weaknesses and meets us with grace.

Let me ask you today:

Are you holding fast to your faith — or do you need to be reminded that Jesus is still interceding for you?

Are you carrying burdens or guilt — when Jesus is offering you mercy and grace?

Are you approaching God with confidence — or still acting like you don’t belong?

Because of Jesus, you do belong. So come to the throne. Come boldly. Come just as you are. Your High Priest is waiting.