Jesus is the Catalyst for a New Relationship with God (HS)

If you could live in any TV show, which one would it be?

What is the biggest change you have ever witnessed?

I don't know what your faith is like right now. Maybe you've heard people talk about having a relationship with God, but you're still trying to figure out what that means. Maybe you have a relationship with God and it's going great! Or maybe you have a relationship with God, but it's not going as well as you wanted it to. If you've ever wondered what it means to have a relationship with God, or how we can really know God is real, or what to do when God feels far away, you're not alone.

Because the idea of faith can be pretty confusing sometimes, we've been trying to figure out what Scripture says about it by looking at the book of Hebrews — a book that has a lot to say about faith. And because holding onto our faith can feel pretty difficult when we feel far from God, I want to show you a passage in Hebrews that has something to say about holding on.

Hebrews 4:14 ESV

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.

Okay, so maybe you got the message that we're supposed to hold tightly to our faith . . . but, uh, what's that about a great high priest?

Remember, the book of Hebrews was written to a very specific group of people — the people of Israel, God's chosen people. The whole Old Testament is their story. Because this book was written to them, it makes sense for the author to use terms and ideas that they would understand.

Throughout much of Israel's history, God communicated with humanity in a very specific way — through priests. All of Israel's priests communicated with God on their people's behalf. But in order to have this role, the priests had to practice a very high standard of holiness and purity by following specific religious customs.

Although Israel had many priests, the high priest was the only priest who had the privilege of getting closest to God — literally. The high priest was the only person allowed in the Most Holy Place, the location where God's presence was closest and most obvious. When the high priest was in the Most Holy Place, this place separated by a thick curtain so no one else could look into it, he would perform rituals and make sacrifices to God to help keep the relationship between God and Israel close.

So why is Hebrews calling Jesus a "great high priest?”

You know that curtain that separated everyone except the high priest from where God was, in the Most Holy Place?

Matthew 27:51 ESV

51 And behold, the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to bottom. And the earth shook, and the rocks were split.

When Jesus gave his life sacrificially for us, that whole curtain was ripped in two, showing us there is nothing left to separate us from God. Jesus' death was the catalyst that tore the curtain in half. Because of him, we can all finally be close to God.

Hebrews 4:14–16 ESV

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. 15 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. 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.

So is this making a little more sense now? Because he's our great high priest, Jesus made it possible for us to get close to God.

Because he has experienced all the temptations we experience, Jesus understands what we're going through. Because Jesus changed our relationship with God forever, we don't have to be shy about asking for help. I know sometimes God feels far away. I know sometimes it seems like our lives aren't changing as immediately or dramatically as we thought they would. But no matter how things seem, can you see what's true?

Jesus changed our relationship with God forever. He did that through his life, death, and resurrection. It's already done! Before Jesus, our relationship with God had never been so personal, but Jesus brought God closer by giving us access to love and grace. So if you ever doubt God's ability to change things, remember what Jesus has already changed. Jesus is the catalyst for a new relationship with God. Because of him, God is already close.

How do we walk in the finished and perfect work of Christ as our High Priest?

Repent and Believe

Practice Spiritual Habits

See What’s Changed

When you come into contact and experience the Creator of the universe by being born again, you change. Christians are ever being conformed to the image of Christ, becoming more and more holy, maturing in our faith. Jesus takes our sins and imperfections so that we can be covered in His perfect work and holiness because Jesus is our catalyst for a new relationship with God the Father.