Jesus our Great High Priest
Hebrews 4:15 ‘For we do not have a High Priest Who cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.’
In the Old Testament the role of the priest was that of an intermediary between man and God. One of the priest’s main duties was to present to God the sacrifices that the people brought to the temple. It was also their responsibility to facilitate and conduct worship services on the Sabbath and other special days. But there was one priest who had a greater role; it was the high priest who alone could enter the holiest place in the temple on the Day of Atonement and present sacrifices on behalf of his people. This role was a foreshadowing of the one that Jesus would fulfil on our behalf. Jesus not only became our High Priest, but He also became the sacrifice for our sin. Instead of our sin being covered, as by the sacrifice of animals, Christ obtained ‘eternal redemption for us through the shedding of His blood on Calvary. (Hebrews 9:12). And Hebrews 7:25 tells us that our High Priest is ‘able to save to the uttermost all who come unto God by Him, seeing He ever lives to make intercession for them.’
Jesus, as God incarnate, not only became the sacrifice for our sin, but because of His humanity, faced the kinds of struggles and temptations that we have to deal with, yet overcame them without sinning. Because of this experience, He is able to sympathize and identify with our trials, and is available to intercede and intervene on our behalf. Although we face temptations on a daily basis, and often fail when tested, we have a High Priest Who is an advocate on our behalf with the Father. (1 John 1:2). And, because of our Great High Priest we can confidently enter the holiest place, and place our petitions before the throne of grace, where God’s Word assures us we will ‘obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.’ (Hebrews 4:16)
Do you think the office of High Priest is understood today?
Do you think of Jesus as your High Priest?
What does it mean to you to have such a High Priest?
Photo..Seal Cove Beach with remnants of the old railroad embankment