Y’shua, Our Great High Priest
In the Christian faith, the role of Jesus as our High Priest is central to understanding His ministry and the significance of His sacrifice. The concept of the High Priest is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where priests mediated between God and the people, offering sacrifices for sin. Jesus, however, fulfills and transcends this role in a way that brings new hope and redemption.
The Role of the High Priest
In the Old Testament, the High Priest was responsible for entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement to offer sacrifices for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). This role was crucial for maintaining a relationship between God and Israel. The High Priest was chosen from among the people and was a representative of the people before God.
Hebrews 5:1-3 (NIV)
“Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.”
Jesus as Our High Priest
The New Testament presents Jesus as the ultimate High Priest, fulfilling and surpassing the old covenant. The Book of Hebrews emphasizes this transition, highlighting Jesus’ unique qualifications and the eternal nature of His priesthood.
Hebrews 4:14-16 (NIV)
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.”
The Significance of His Empathy
Unlike the earthly priests, who were themselves flawed and sinful, Jesus is without sin. His ability to empathize with our struggles makes Him a compassionate mediator. This empathy invites us to approach God boldly, knowing that we can receive mercy and grace in our times of need.
The Sacrifice of Jesus
The ultimate act of Jesus as our High Priest was His sacrifice on the cross. Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament, Jesus offered Himself once for all, providing a complete and final atonement for sin. There is no longer a need for the sacrifice of bulls and goats, for Jesus has paid it all.
Hebrews 10:11-14 (NIV)
“Day after day every priest stands and performs his religious duties; again, and again he offers the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins. But when this priest had offered for all time one sacrifice for sins, He sat down at the right hand of God, and since that time He waits for His enemies to be made His footstool. For by one sacrifice, He has made perfect forever those who are being made holy.”
The New Covenant
Through Jesus, we enter into a new covenant characterized by grace and relationship rather than mere ritual. His blood, shed for us, establishes a direct connection to God, removing the barriers that once existed.
Hebrews 9:11-12 (NIV)
“But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves; but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.”
Conclusion
Jesus stands as our Great High Priest, interceding for us and offering grace and mercy. He invites us to draw near to God, assured that we are accepted and loved. As we reflect on His role, let us embrace the identity we have in Him and the access we have to the Father.
Thank you Lord for being our Great High Priest!