IN TIMES OF NEED:
KNOW
“Having then a great high priest, who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God” (v. 14a). In Israel, the high priest was responsible for administering the sacrificial system that God had established for various purposes, atonement for sins being the most important. Only the high priest was allowed into the Holy of Holies––the dwelling place of God––and then only on the Day of Atonement. He presided over the Sanhedrin, the highest authority over all matters in Israel, both religious and civil.
Jesus assumed the role of high priest––our intermediary with God and the ultimate arbiter of salvation.
The author notes that Jesus is a great high priest––one “who has passed through the heavens.” He is thus superior to earthly high priests, whose access to God’s presence was limited to one day a year in the Holy of Holies.
We have a Great High Priest (Heb. 4:14)
The emphasis in Hebrews 4:14 is on the word "great." In the person of Jesus Christ we have a "great High Priest." He is the greatest of all priests, no one can be to his greatness.
What makes Him so great is that He is the Son of God, appointed to be the High Priest, who has paid for our sins and passed through the heavens and is interceding on our behalf at the throne of God. As our Great High Priest nothing can hinder Him in accomplishing His eternal purpose on our behalf. What a great God and Savior! Our great High Priest Jesus is the Son of God.
Our High Priest is infinitely great in His person and office. He has dignity and glory because He is the Son of God. We can now come boldly before His throne of grace anytime, anywhere, and in any situation.
