JESUS OUR HIGH PRIEST
By Rev. Samuel Arimoro
Main Text: Hebrews 4:14-16
Key Verse: “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.” (Hebrews 4:14)
Supporting Texts: Hebrews 7:24-27; Hebrews 9:11-15; Romans 8:34; 1 Timothy 2:5
INTRODUCTION:
In the Old Testament, the high priest occupied a sacred position as the spiritual bridge between God and His people. His duty was to offer sacrifices for atonement and to intercede on behalf of Israel. However, his ministry was limited—he was human, sinful, and his sacrifices were temporary.
But when Jesus came, He fulfilled the office of the High Priest perfectly. He did not enter the earthly temple but the heavenly sanctuary, offering His own spotless blood once and for all for our redemption. Unlike the priests of old, His priesthood is eternal and unchangeable.
Today, believers can boldly approach the throne of grace without fear or guilt. Through Jesus Christ, we have continuous access to the Father’s presence, mercy in our weakness, and strength in our trials. His intercession guarantees that no accusation against us can stand.
1. JESUS OUR PERFECT MEDIATOR
Jesus bridges the gap between sinful humanity and a holy God. Through His sacrifice, He made reconciliation possible once and for all.
a) The Need for Mediation (1 Timothy 2:5): Sin separated man from God, but Jesus became the bridge of reconciliation. Only through Him can we find peace with God.
b) The Price of Mediation (Hebrews 9:12): He did not offer animal blood but His own, obtaining eternal redemption for all who believe in Him.
c) The Power of His Intercession (Romans 8:34): Jesus continually pleads our case before the Father, ensuring mercy prevails over judgment.
d) The Privilege of Access (Hebrews 4:16): We can now approach God confidently, not as strangers, but as children beloved and redeemed by grace.
Biblical Example: Moses stood between God and Israel to intercede for mercy (Exodus 32:11-14). In a higher dimension, Jesus eternally stands before the Father as our advocate, ensuring our forgiveness and favour.
2. JESUS OUR ETERNAL INTERCESSOR
Christ’s priesthood is eternal and His intercession never ceases. He continually represents us before the Father.
a) His Endless Priesthood (Hebrews 7:24): His priesthood cannot be transferred or terminated. He lives forever to intercede for His people.
b) His Compassionate Understanding (Hebrews 4:15): Jesus understands human weakness because He lived among us and faced temptation without sin.
c) His Heavenly Ministry (Hebrews 8:1-2): He now ministers in the true heavenly tabernacle as our High Priest before God’s throne.
d) His Effective Representation (1 John 2:1): Jesus speaks on our behalf when the enemy accuses us, ensuring that His righteousness covers our shortcomings.
Biblical Example: Jesus interceded for Peter (Luke 22:31-32), and that prayer preserved his destiny. Similarly, His continual intercession preserves and strengthens believers today.
3. JESUS OUR PERFECT SACRIFICE
The sacrifice of Jesus is the foundation of His priesthood and our eternal salvation.
a) The Uniqueness of His Sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26): Unlike animal offerings that had to be repeated, Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all, perfect and complete.
b) The Power in His Blood (Hebrews 9:14): His blood purifies not just the flesh but the conscience, making true spiritual transformation possible.
c) The Victory through His Offering (Colossians 2:14-15): His death cancelled the handwriting of ordinances against us and triumphed over every demonic power.
d) The Result of His Sacrifice (Hebrews 10:19-22): We now have direct access to God’s presence, washed and purified by His blood.
Biblical Example: When Abraham offered Isaac (Genesis 22), it foreshadowed Christ’s ultimate sacrifice, which purchased eternal redemption for mankind.
4. JESUS OUR HIGH PRIEST OF GRACE AND MERCY
Jesus is not a High Priest who condemns, but One who restores. His ministry is marked by mercy, grace, and compassion.
a) The Throne of Grace (Hebrews 4:16): We now have access to a throne of grace where help is ever available.
b) The Assurance of Forgiveness (1 John 1:9): His blood cleanses all sin. No guilt is too great for His mercy to cover.
c) The Restoration of the Fallen (Micah 7:8): His mercy lifts up those who have fallen and restores their destiny.
d) The Strength for the Journey (Philippians 4:13): His grace empowers believers to persevere and overcome in every season of life.
Biblical Example: The woman caught in adultery (John 8:1-11) met Jesus, her High Priest of mercy. He did not condemn her but forgave and restored her dignity, showing that His priesthood is full of grace.
CONCLUSION:
Jesus Christ is our eternal High Priest: our perfect Mediator, Intercessor, and Advocate. His blood guarantees forgiveness, access, and favour with God. Through His heavenly ministry, we are preserved, restored, and empowered to live victoriously.
Let us, therefore, draw near with boldness, holding fast to our faith, knowing that Christ intercedes for us continually. Our victory, forgiveness, and access to God are eternally secured through Him.
PRAYER POINTS:
1. Thank You, Lord Jesus, for being my eternal High Priest and Mediator before the Father.
2. Father, by the blood of Jesus, cleanse me from every sin and guilt that separates me from Your presence.
3. Lord Jesus, intercede for me and silence every accusation of the enemy against my life.
4. By the power in the blood of Jesus, I receive access to the throne of grace and divine favour.
5. Every barrier between me and God’s presence, be removed by the sacrifice of Christ.
6. Lord, empower me to live in righteousness and holiness through Your grace and mercy.
7. Father, by the eternal priesthood of Jesus, let my destiny receive divine preservation and protection.
8. Lord, let the blood of Jesus speak mercy and victory over my life, family, and destiny.
9. Father, restore every blessing, opportunity, and grace that sin or failure has stolen from me.
10. Lord Jesus, strengthen me to remain steadfast in faith until I finish my race gloriously.
