Being the G.O.A.T.
What Makes Jesus the G.O.A.T.
We Know Him, the High Priest (Hebrews 4:14)
Since then (oun), which opens this verse links directly with 2:17–18, the intervening section being something of an interlude which nevertheless sets the tone by calling the attention of the readers to the importance of the theme.
First he is great, which marks him out as superior to other lesser priests
This greatness extends not only to his character but also to his work.
It is highly important for him to establish without question that our high priest is none other than the historical Jesus.
Although the Sonship of Jesus is assumed in the preceding part of the epistle, the title Son of God is not used until this point in the discussion, and it is no doubt intentionally introduced here to combine the humanity and divinity of Jesus as the perfect qualifications for a high priest who was to be superior to all others
In both passages there occur the ideas of holding on to the confession, of drawing near to God through a great high priest and of a confidence (parrēsia) in doing so.
The second characteristic is that he has passed through the heavens. Since the plural ‘heavens’ is used, it is suggested by some that the Jewish idea of an ascending series of heavens is here in mind.
The third statement about him gives his name, Jesus, the Son of God. The former of the two names has already appeared in 2:9 and 3:1, where it identifies him in his human nature to show his eligibility for the office of high priest.
First, Jesus is a great high priest. Perhaps some Jews were claiming that Christianity had no priesthood like that of Aaron. But Jesus was superior to the priests of Aaron. Both his character and his work are important.
Because Jesus is our high priest, we can hold firmly to the faith we profess. Holding to the faith requires some determination on our part. The greatness of Jesus as our High Priest provides us an incentive to make the commitment to draw near to him
Christ as our great High Priest is the theme of the book of Hebrews (see p. 390).
Hold fast. Gr. krateō, “to seize,” “to cling to tenaciously,” as for one’s life. Christ is worthy of our full faith and confidence, and we should permit nothing to enter in between ourselves and Him
“Confession” has to do with the believer’s testimony of his faith in Christ and his faithfulness to live for Christ and gain the promised blessing
It is possible that this is a typological play on Jesus as the new Joshua. Their names are exactly the same in Hebrew. The author of Hebrews alludes to the Exodus material extensively. As Joshua brought God’s people into the rest of the Promised Land, so too, will Jesus bring them into heaven
The author resumes his consideration of Jesus as High Priest (cf. 3:1). The qualifying words who has passed through the heavens remind us that He has not gone into the mere earthly Most Holy Place, but into the ultimate heavenly one. Consequently we must hold fast our confession of faith in Him, and not abandon it.
As the Aaronic High Priest on the Day of Atonement passed through the Holy Place into the Holy of Holies, so Jesus at His ascension passed through the heavenly Holy Place into the very Presence of God, there to ‘sit on the right hand of the Majesty on high’ (1:3),
He Knows Us (Hebrews 4:15)
Our confidence is directly related to the ability of our high priest.
The Christian’s capacity for sympathy is based on Christ’s ability to sympathize
In every respect (kata panta) places Jesus in the same category as ourselves when it comes to temptation. This conveys an aspect which is tremendously encouraging.
His sinlessness is not set out for his people as an example so much as an inspiration. Our high priest is highly experienced in the trials of human life.
How can we hold fast to our faith? Has God done anything to make this possible?
First, Jesus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses. Weaknesses is broad enough to include any form of human stumbling, bumbling, or failure. Christ has sympathy for the needy.
Our sinless Savior provided for us a perfect redemption. His victorious experience with temptation provides sympathy, encouragement, and victory for us in our temptation.
Because Jesus established His role as high priest by becoming like us (2:17–18), He can understand human struggles
Unlike other priests, Jesus didn’t need to offer sacrifices for His own sins; instead, He offered Himself unblemished to God (7:27; 9:14).
The One who served as High Priest on their behalf had been where they were and had been tempted in every way, just as they were.
Be touched. Gr. sumpatheō, “to symphatize,” literally, “to experience together with.” Having, through His human nature, experienced the weaknesses that are common to man—though without the least taint of sin—Christ is fully sympathetic with the problems and difficulties that the sincere Christian has to face.
For the first time human nature was led to victory over its natural tendency to sin, and because of Christ’s victory over sin we too may triumph over it (see on Rom. 8:1–4).
Jesus never had a sin nature and never yielded to sin, but He was exposed to true temptation because of mankind’s sin.
Jesus is both fully God and fully human, and yet He understands us!
He Helps Us (Hebrews 4:16)
First the Christian’s approach to God is to be characterized by confidence or boldness (parrēsia), by a freedom of expression and deliverance from fear.
The second feature is the expression throne of grace.
Jesus Christ is seen to be seated at the right hand of the throne. He is the guarantee that it is a place of grace.
A third feature is the combination of mercy and grace as special favours dispensed from the throne.
The fourth point is the help which is forthcoming in time of need. The supply of grace is unrestricted, the only condition being a willingness to receive it, a sense of its indispensability.
Given the fact that we have a sinless Savior, what can we do? What should be our response?
First, we must approach.
Second, we come to the throne of grace.
Third, we come in an attitude of confidence. Although we must approach God with reverence, we can enter his presence with freedom and without fear.
MAIN IDEA REVIEW: Jesus is superior to Joshua because he leads us to rest, diagnoses our needs, and supplies abundant grace and mercy.
Believers should pray persistently because Jesus empathizes with human weakness (v. 15). He continues to make intercession for those who draw near to God (7:25).
God strengthens His people when they undergo temptation or endure any type of hardship (2:18; compare Jas 1:12–18).
We come boldly, not because God is indebted to us, but because God freely offers His grace to all who seek it.