Jesus, Our Great High Priest

Bible Passage: Hebrews 4:14-16

I. In this passage, the author of Hebrews wants to encourage wavering Christians to strongly consider faithfulness to Jesus, because of His excellence and sufficiency

II. Hebrews 4:14-16 give us some vital truths about Jesus as our High Priest that are meant to strengthen our faith and motivate our prayer life.

III. There are 2 action words given for us:

1. “Let us hold fast” (Persevere)
2. “Let us draw near” (Pray)

IV. Both these commands are vital responses to the gospel. We need to persevere in following Christ, because there is no other way to be saved. We need to pray, because God supplies our resources through the means of prayer.

V. The role of a priest/high priest

VI. Jesus, is the Great High Priest.

VII. Why is Jesus the GREAT high priest?

VIII. The writer of Hebrews gives us a number of reasons that we need to have confidence in Jesus as our Great High Priest:

IX. These great realities motivate the 2 commands of this passage:

1.—- Let us hold fast our confession – This command implies have a firm grasp on your trust in Jesus as the one and only Savior. It also requires that you follow Christ day by day, in every situation and circumstance of life. “Our confession” is the simple truth of the gospel and our allegiance to Christ.
2.—- Let us draw near to the throne of grace – to “draw near” means to approach God. This is only possible when your sins are forgiven through the sacrificial and intercessory ministry of a high priest. Confidence is courage to speak with someone of great rank or power. You can speak honestly and plainly to God – yet reverentially – without fear of shame or punishment in doing so. This throne is a throne of grace because God the Father, through Jesus, provides help from heaven, especially those who need forgiveness and strength in temptation.

Take Away

Draw near to God and pray with confidence