Heb 4:14-16 KJV Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Jesus Christ is our High Priest living forever to intercede on our behalf. It is enlightening to study the role of the high priest in the Old Testament as see how it typifies our Lord, and Savior Who is now Our High Priest forever after the order of Melchizedec.
THE HIGH PRIEST OF THE OLD TESTAMENT
The high priest’s qualifications
He was picked by God
Heb 5:1- 4 KJV For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
Leviticus 21 gives a list of requirements qualifying one to be a high priest.
He was to be without defect;
undefiled by nearness to corpses;
no markings or cuts on his skin;
only take a wife who was a virgin, from his own people.
In similar manner our High Priest Jesus is perfect without blemish, and His bride is a church that is spotless without wrinkle or blemish.
Heb 7:23-26 KJV And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death: 24 But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. 25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them. 26 For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens;
Eph 5:25-27 KJV Husbands, love your wives, even as Christ also loved the church, and gave himself for it; 26 That he might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the word, 27 That he might present it to himself a glorious church, not having spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing; but that it should be holy and without blemish.
The high priest’s job
The high priest appeared before God in the Most Holy Place once a year to offer a sacrifice for himself first and then the people on the Day of Atonement. He stripped himself of his fine garments, washed and put on white linen before entering the Most Holy Place to make his offering before God first for himself since he was also with sin, and then the people.
Our High Priest stripped Himself of His Glory and came among us. He identified with our weaknesses and infirmities. He was tempted like us so He knows how we feel and this touches Him. He is without sin and so He offered Himself for us not on earth but in heaven in the heavenly Holy of Holies.
Heb 2:17-18 KJV Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people. 18 For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted.
Heb 4:14-16 KJV Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
Heb 5:5-10 KJV 5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. 6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. 7 Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
THE HIGH PRIEST OF THE NEW TESTAMENT
So we see that with Jesus as our High Priest
1. We are NEVER alone in our struggles
2. We can be bold in our approach because of Him
3. He was tempted so He understands our weaknesses
4. He is in sympathy with us in our weakness
5. He is ever ready to intercede on our behalf.
6. His plea on our behalf is an irresistible thing to the Father.
7. His Blood is the ultimate final argument that is forever undeniable.
When we reach out to God in our infirmity He responds with His strength and empowering. He will not empower those who come before Him as the self sufficient, the self confident or the independent. He only allows His glory and strength to shine like treasure in earthen vessels in those whose lives are wholly dependent on Him. We may have the world’s sum total of skills and talents in us but unless we come in our weakness to Him we will fail to appropriate His Strength.
When we fail in our lives for Him, we can fall before Him and He will enter a plea as the Advocate on our behalf. We are completely assured of a hearing when we come through the Blood and the Father ALWAYS listens to His Son! John 11:41-42 KJV Then they took away the stone from the place where the dead was laid. And Jesus lifted up his eyes, and said, Father, I thank thee that thou hast heard me. 42 And I knew that thou hearest me always: but because of the people which stand by I said it, that they may believe that thou hast sent me.
2Co 12:7-10 KJV And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me. 10 Therefore I take pleasure in infirmities, in reproaches, in necessities, in persecutions, in distresses for Christ's sake: for when I am weak, then am I strong.
Heb 10:19-25 KJV Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, 20 By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; 21 And having an high priest over the house of God; 22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.
Heb 4:11-16 (KJV) 11 Let us labour therefore to enter into that rest, lest any man fall after the same example of unbelief. 12 For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. 13 Neither is there any creature that is not manifest in his sight: but all things are naked and opened unto the eyes of him with whom we have to do. 14 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 15 For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.
