Because We Have a Great High Priest

Last week Norma Jean and I were blessed to attend the annual Florida College Lectures. The theme was “We Have a Great High Priest.” The lessons were based on the book of Hebrews.

In Rick Boswell’s lecture a New High Priest, he quotes Michael Heiser who said, “It is important to recognize that within the greater context of the book of Hebrews, chapter 4:14 to chapter 5:10 is about building confidence in Christ and His work on our behalf. Christ’s incarnation (Heb. 2:17) was so that He could be a merciful and faithful High Priest as well as to make propitiation for the sins of the people.”

While Rick’s assignment was more in comparing and contrasting Jesus’ Priesthood with the Old Testament Levitical priests, I couldn’t help but think of the practical implication of this truth in our daily prayer life.

“Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:14-16).

We often think of prayer in terms of humility, reverence, and submissiveness. While these attributes and attitudes are appropriate, there is a sense in which we approach God with boldness. This doesn’t mean a disrespectful brashness, but with a confident assurance that God cares. God hears. And God answers prayer.

The context reminds us why we can approach the Creator’s throne with such assurance because we have “a great high priest.” Jesus Christ. Compared to the High Priests of the Old Testament He is in a class by himself both as a person and in His position. He is “Jesus, the Son of God.”

His name “Jesus” identifies his humanity. He was a man. He was born, lived and died in the fleshly body. He knows our feelings. He understands our fears. He empathizes with the feebleness of our flesh. He was tempted, tried, and tested just like we are. Yet without sin.

“Son of God” affirms His Deity. He was and is God. He came from the bosom of the Father. He served as the co-creator. He shares in the qualities of Godhood. He is holy. Just. Righteous. And impartial in his love, mercy, and grace.

This God-man thus occupies a unique position. He is our intercessor. Our mediator. Our “great High Priest.” He has ascended to “the throne of grace.” And allows us to approach Him there.

In the Old Testament, the common people could not enter the holy precincts of either the tabernacle or the temple. Even the Priest stopped at the veil. Only the High Priest could enter the Most Holy Place and come to the mercy seat. But Jesus invites us to bravely, fearlessly, and courageously come “to the throne of grace.”

We can come to Christ Jesus for help to meet the needs we face daily. Too often we fail to ask and find ourselves wallowing in misery. Or we reserve our prayers for only emergency situations. Like the little boy who was acting up in worship. Finally, his father had enough. He quickly picked up his son and sternly headed down the aisle on the way out. Just before reaching the foyer, the little fellow loudly cried to the congregation, “Pray for me! Pray for me!”

In another passage, Paul tells us not to worry about anything, but to pray for everything (Phil. 4:6-7). God cares about daily concerns. Our spiritual struggles. Our physical ailments. Our emotional conflicts. Our mental battles.

Our great High Priest understands the relationship issues we face. The problems we encounter with difficult people. The challenges in our families. The rejection of our friends. And the accusations of our enemies. He knows how we hurt. He, too, has felt the pain. Shed tears. Endured loneliness. And suffered in deep sorrow.

No problem is too big for God. And no concern is too small.

And, so He calls us to come. Come to the throne. Come with confidence. And come to be showered with grace and lavished with mercy.

Because “We Have a Great High Priest.”

–Ken Weliever, The Preacherman