Connect Hebrews 4:14 with Old Testament high priest roles and responsibilities. Hebrews 4:14 — Meeting Our Great High Priest “Therefore, since we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess.” Old Testament Snapshot: Who Was the High Priest? • Descended from Aaron (Exodus 28:1). • Wore uniquely designed garments signifying holiness and representation (Exodus 28:2-38). • Entered the Most Holy Place only once a year on the Day of Atonement with sacrificial blood (Leviticus 16:1-34). • Offered daily, weekly, and annual sacrifices for the sins of the people and himself (Leviticus 9:7; Hebrews 7:27). • Taught God’s law to Israel and discerned His will through the Urim and Thummim (Leviticus 10:11; Numbers 27:21). • Pronounced God’s blessing over the nation (Numbers 6:22-27). Key Responsibilities and How Jesus Fulfills Them 1. Representative Before God • High priest bore Israel’s names on his shoulders and over his heart (Exodus 28:9-12, 29-30). • Jesus carries His people permanently—“He always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). 2. Atoning Sacrifice • Animal blood temporarily covered sin (Leviticus 16:15-17). • Jesus offered His own blood “once for all time” (Hebrews 9:12). 3. Access to the Most Holy Place • Earthly high priest entered behind the veil once a year (Leviticus 16:2). • Jesus “passed through the heavens” (Hebrews 4:14) and opened a “new and living way through the veil” for us (Hebrews 10:19-20). 4. Holiness and Consecration • Required flawless physical condition and ritual purity (Leviticus 21:6-8). • Jesus is “holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners” (Hebrews 7:26). 5. Ongoing Ministry • Daily sacrifices never ceased (Hebrews 10:11). • Jesus “sat down at the right hand of God” because His work is complete (Hebrews 10:12). 6. Blessing God’s People • Aaronic blessing invoked peace (Numbers 6:24-26). • Jesus grants a greater peace—“My peace I give you” (John 14:27) and every spiritual blessing (Ephesians 1:3). Why “Passed Through the Heavens” Matters • Earthly high priests moved from court → Holy Place → Most Holy Place. • Jesus journeyed cross → grave → resurrection → ascension, entering the ultimate sanctuary (Hebrews 9:24). • His exalted position guarantees secure, perpetual intercession (Romans 8:34). Holding Firmly to Our Confession • Because His priesthood is unending (Hebrews 7:24), our salvation is secure (Hebrews 7:25). • His sympathy is sure—He was “tempted in every way, just as we are, yet was without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). • The fitting response: steadfast faith, unashamed allegiance, and confident approach to God’s throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16). |
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