Jesus, The Great High Priest

Hebrews 4:14–16 CSB

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

Introduction

Hebrews is a letter

The author is unknown

Jewish Christians “brothers and sisters” (2:17; 3:12; 10:19; 13:22)

Enduring various forms of persecution (Heb.10:32-34)

Exhorting to endure and keep the faith

The High Priest Duties

In charge of the temple or tabernacle worship

Hereditary office from the line of Aaron (Ex.29:29-30; Lev.16:32)

Normally served for life (Num. 18:7)

Appointed by God (Ex.28:1; cf. Heb. 5:4)

A special degree of holiness was required (Lev.10:6, 9; 21:10-15)

The consecration service was an elaborate seven-day ritual (Ex.29:1-37)

Offered sacrifices for theirs sins and the peoples (Lev. 9:7)

Allowed to enter the holy of holies “Day of Atonement” (Lev.16:1-25)

I. Transcendence

Hebrews 4:14 CSB

Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession.

A) The Exaltation “passed through the heavens”

Hebrews 7:26 CSB

For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

Ephesians 4:10 CSB

The one who descended is also the one who ascended far above all the heavens, to fill all things.

B) The Person “Jesus the Son of God”

Hebrews 1:1–3 CSB

Long ago God spoke to our ancestors by the prophets at different times and in different ways. In these last days, he has spoken to us by his Son. God has appointed him heir of all things and made the universe through him. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact expression of his nature, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.

Hebrews 5:5–6 CSB

In the same way, Christ did not exalt himself to become a high priest, but God who said to him, You are my Son; today I have become your Father, also says in another place, You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.

Who is Melchizedek?

Appears in Gen. 14:17-24 and Ps.110:4

Hebrews 7:1–3 CSB

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of God Most High, met Abraham and blessed him as he returned from defeating the kings, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means king of righteousness, then also, king of Salem, meaning king of peace. Without father, mother, or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.

“The point is that Melchizedek is a prototype of Jesus, the true King of righteousness and peace.” Dr. Tony Evans Commentary (p. 2197).

C) The response “let us hold fast to our confession”

II. Tested

Hebrews 4:15 CSB

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

A) Compassionate: “sympathize with our weaknesses”

Jesus knew poverty:

Matthew 8:20 CSB

Jesus told him, “Foxes have dens, and birds of the sky have nests, but the Son of Man has no place to lay his head.”

Jesus knew frustration

John 2:15–16 CSB

After making a whip out of cords, he drove everyone out of the temple with their sheep and oxen. He also poured out the money changers’ coins and overturned the tables. He told those who were selling doves, “Get these things out of here! Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!”

Jesus knew weariness:

John 4:6 CSB

Jacob’s well was there, and Jesus, worn out from his journey, sat down at the well. It was about noon.

Jesus knew rejection:

John 1:11 CSB

He came to his own, and his own people did not receive him.

John 6:66 CSB

From that moment many of his disciples turned back and no longer accompanied him.

B) Tempted: “who has been tempted in every way as we are”

Jesus Knew Temptation

Mark 1:13 CSB

He was in the wilderness forty days, being tempted by Satan. He was with the wild animals, and the angels were serving him.

C) Innocent: “yet without sin”

Hebrews 2:17 CSB

Therefore, he had to be like his brothers and sisters in every way, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in matters pertaining to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people.

III. Turn To

Hebrews 4:16 CSB

Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.

A) The Invitation - Draw near

Hebrews 7:25 CSB

Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them.

James 4:8 CSB

Draw near to God, and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded.

B) The Purpose - “receive mercy and find grace to help...”

C) The Occassion- “time of need”