What does having "a great priest" mean for our relationship with God today? Rooted in Hebrews 10:19-22 “Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith…” (Hebrews 10:19-22) Jesus, Our Great Priest Defined • Not just any priest—He is “great,” supreme over every previous mediator (Hebrews 7:26-28). • “Over the house of God” means He presides, represents, and governs the entire family of faith (Hebrews 3:6). • His priesthood is founded on His once-for-all sacrifice and His resurrection life (Hebrews 9:11-12). Unhindered Access to God • The veil is gone; the way is “new and living” (Hebrews 10:20). • “For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5). • We come boldly, not timidly (Hebrews 4:16). Guilt, fear, and uncertainty no longer bar the door. Permanent, Perfect Intercession • “He always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). • Ongoing advocacy: “If anyone sins, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ the Righteous One” (1 John 2:1). • His prayers never fail; our standing never fluctuates with moods or performance. A Cleansed Conscience • “Having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience” (Hebrews 10:22). • The blood that satisfied God’s justice also calms our inner accusations (Romans 8:33-34). • Freedom from shame opens the door to joyful obedience rather than duty-driven ritual. Family Privileges in the House of God • Adoption reality: “You are no longer foreigners… but members of God’s household” (Ephesians 2:19). • Shared inheritance with Christ (Romans 8:17). • Access to family resources—wisdom, comfort, discipline, and love—through the Spirit sent by our Priest (John 14:16-18). Hope Anchored Beyond the Veil • “We have this hope as an anchor for the soul… Jesus has entered on our behalf” (Hebrews 6:19-20). • Circumstances shift; the anchor holds. • Assurance fuels perseverance (Hebrews 10:23). Bold Mission Flowing from Our Priest • “Let us consider how to spur one another on toward love and good deeds” (Hebrews 10:24). • Priest-secured access empowers priest-like service: proclaiming reconciliation (2 Corinthians 5:18-20), bearing one another’s burdens (Galatians 6:2), offering sacrifices of praise and good works (Hebrews 13:15-16). Because we have a great Priest today, we live loved, walk welcomed, stand secure, and serve boldly—every moment under His unceasing, victorious mediation. |
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