I’m currently studying and teaching the book of Hebrews. It’s so rich. While there may be some heavy thoughts in the book, it is a book worth reading.

For those who are Christians, it’s a reminder of our great God.

It’s a reminder of our great King in heaven, Jesus Christ. We are reminded of His superiority over the angels.

We are reminded of His superiority over Moses.

As the Hebrew writers speaks about how Christ is superior, he is NOT saying that angels, Moses, or the first covenant were bad. Rather, it’s a comparison of things that were good and how Christ is so much better.

In Hebrews 2:17, the writer says, “Therefore, He had to be made like His brethren in all things, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.” For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted.

  • Jesus is described as being a Merciful and Faithful High Priest.
  • The writer will unpack this idea of Jesus being a priest in the latter chapters.
  • A priest was one who could relate to the people as he made intercession between God and the people. The priests in the Old Testament were appointed by God. This is what the writer will argue in Hebrews 5:1-4.
  • The book of Leviticus in chapters 8 and 9 give us more information about the Aaron and his sons becoming priests. They were appointed by God. Priests in the future were to come from the tribe of Levi. A man couldn’t just appoint himself to be a priest (although some tried and rebelled like Korah in Numbers chapter 16 and Jeroboam as he appointed men in 1 Kings 12:30-31).

Yet Jesus was from the tribe of Judah. He was the Messiah. He was King. And He also now suffers as our great High Priest of our confession, Hebrews 3:1.

The Hebrew writer will discuss this again in Hebrews 4:14-15, where he says, “Therefore, since 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 One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

WOW! How amazing is this? Why is the writer emphasizing this so much?

Because Jesus can truly say, “I know what you’re going through.”

Jesus was appointed by God to be our great high priest. This is why the Hebrew argues in Hebrews 5:1-6. Jesus was a man of the people and can relate what it is that we go through. He’s the one that can say, “I know what you’re experiencing.”

This is reason for us to turn to HIM. He is to be the source of our strength.

Not ourselves.

Not money.

Not power.

Not our careers.

Not our status on social media.

In the ancient near east, the one who was King served not only as a King but also as Priest. The king was in the best position to be an intercessor for that particular nations deity. The nation of Israel was the exception. The king didn’t rule as King and Priest. Rather, the priests were to come from the tribe of Levi.

Yet with Christ, He is both King and High Priest. He is the Son of God. This is what the Hebrew writer will argue in chapter 5. He will continue this discussion in the latter chapters as well.

So, what’s the point?

Are you a Christian? Then know that Jesus…

  1. Is a merciful and faithful High Priest.
  2. He is able to sympathize with what you’re going through.
  3. Is to be our example in all things.
  4. Is waiting to help us.

Indeed, God is GOOD.

Let us rejoice knowing Jesus is our great high priest.