Verse: Hebrews 4:14-15 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens,
Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. ESV
The high priest was the supreme religious leader of the Israelites. The office of the high priest was
hereditary and was traced from Aaron, the brother of Moses, of the Levite tribe (Exodus 28:1; Numbers
18:7). The high priest had to be “whole” physically (without any physical defects) and holy in his conduct
(Leviticus 21:6-8).
Because the high priest held the leadership position, one of his roles was overseeing the responsibilities
of all the subordinate priests (2 Chronicles 19:11). Though the high priest could participate in ordinary
priestly ministries, only certain functions were given to him. Only the high priest could wear the Urim and
the Thummin (engraved dice-like stones used to determine truth or falsity). For this reason, the Hebrew
people would go to the high priest in order to know the will of God (Numbers 27:21). An example of this
is when Joshua was commissioned by Eleazar, the high priest, to assume some of Moses’ responsibilities
(Numbers 27:21). In the New Testament, we find a reference to the high priest having the gift of
prophecy (John 11:49-52).
The high priest had to offer a sin offering not only for the sins of the whole congregation, but also for
himself (Leviticus 4:3-21). When a high priest died, all those confined to the cities of refuge for accidently
causing the death of another person were granted freedom (Numbers 35:28).
The most important duty of the high priest was to conduct the service on the Day of Atonement, the
tenth day of the seventh month of every year. Only he was allowed to enter the Most Holy Place behind
the veil to stand before God. Having made a sacrifice for himself and for the people, he then brought the
blood into the Holy of Holies and sprinkled it on the mercy seat, God’s “throne” (Leviticus 16:14-15). He
did this to make atonement for himself and the people for all their sins committed during the year just
ended (Exodus 30:10). It is this particular service that is compared to the ministry of Jesus as our High Priest (Hebrews 9:1-28).
In understanding the role of the high priest, we can better comprehend the significance of Christ offering
Himself for our sins once for all (Hebrews 9:26; 10:10, 12). Through Christ’s sacrifice for us, we are
sanctified and set apart for Him. By entering God’s presence on our behalf, Christ has secured for us an
“eternal redemption” (Hebrews 9:12). As Paul has written, “For there is one God, and there is one
mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus” (1 Timothy 2:5).
From http://www.gotquestions.org/high-priest.html
The office of the high priest is a direct example for us of Jesus Christ, our Great High Priest. The service
and ministry of the High Priest on the Day of Atonement was for the forgiveness of the sins of Israel for
the whole year. The presentation of the blood (life) was given in the Holy of Holies which is a picture of
God’s throne and presence. Jesus, the eternal and Great High Priest presented his own sinless life before
the actual throne of God in heaven. His offering and ministry was a once and for all time satisfaction for
all the sins of the world forever. This event viewed from our earthly perspective aligns with Passover.
This same event viewed from heaven is Yom Kippur.
Jesus the Great High Priest.
Hebrew 4:14-16
Since then 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 is unable to
sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet
without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive
mercy and find grace to help in time of need. ESV
The full assurance of faith.
Hebrews 10:19-25
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by
the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and
since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full
assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies
washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he
who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good
works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another,
and all the more as you see the Day drawing near. ESV
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