The Great High Priest: A Devotional on Hebrews 4:14-7:28
December 7
Scripture: Hebrews 4:14-7:28 (NIV)
In Hebrews 4:14-7:28, the author of Hebrews continues to expound on the superiority of Jesus Christ as the High Priest and emphasizes the significance of His priesthood for believers. The passage highlights the unique role of Jesus as our eternal High Priest who sympathizes with our weaknesses, intercedes on our behalf, and offers the perfect sacrifice for sin.
One important verse from this passage is:
Hebrews 4:16 (NIV):
"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."
This verse underscores the invitation and assurance that believers have to approach God's throne of grace boldly. Through the work of Jesus Christ, we have access to God's presence and can receive mercy and grace to help us in our time of need. It encourages us to draw near to God with confidence, knowing that He is ready to receive us and provide for our every need.
In Hebrews 4:14-7:28, several key themes emerge:
The High Priesthood of Jesus Christ: The author emphasizes Jesus' role as the great High Priest who has passed through the heavens and is seated at the right hand of God. Unlike the Levitical priests who were limited by their mortality and sinfulness, Jesus is the perfect and eternal High Priest who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses and intercede for us before God.
Jesus' Perfect Sacrifice: The author contrasts the sacrifices offered by the Levitical priests with the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin, cleansing believers from all unrighteousness and securing eternal redemption for those who believe in Him.
The Superiority of the New Covenant: The author highlights the superiority of the New Covenant established through Jesus Christ. Unlike the Old Covenant, which was based on the law and required repeated sacrifices for sin, the New Covenant offers forgiveness of sins and intimate fellowship with God through faith in Jesus Christ.
As we reflect on Hebrews 4:14-7:28, let us consider how this passage applies to our lives today. Let us recognize the privilege and responsibility we have as believers to approach God's throne of grace with confidence, knowing that we can find mercy and grace in our time of need. May we embrace the reality of Jesus' high priesthood and the sufficiency of His sacrifice for our salvation.
Prayer:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for the gift of Your Son, Jesus Christ, who serves as our eternal High Priest and offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins.
Help us, Lord, to approach Your throne of grace with confidence, knowing that You are ready to receive us and provide for our every need.
May we live in the reality of Your New Covenant, experiencing the forgiveness of sins and the fullness of life that You offer through Jesus Christ.
In Jesus' name, Amen.
