The title "Great High Priest" ascribed to Jesus Christ is a profound theological concept rooted in the New Testament, particularly in the Epistle to the Hebrews. This title encapsulates the unique and eternal priesthood of Jesus, distinguishing Him from the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament. The role of Jesus as our Great High Priest is central to understanding His work of atonement, intercession, and mediation between God and humanity.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of Jesus as our Great High Priest is primarily expounded in the Book of Hebrews. Hebrews 4:14-16 states, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

The Order of Melchizedek

Jesus' priesthood is described as being in the order of Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who appears in Genesis 14:18-20 and is further discussed in Hebrews 7. Unlike the Levitical priests, whose lineage was based on descent from Aaron, Jesus' priesthood is eternal and not based on genealogy. Hebrews 7:17 affirms, "For it is testified: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'"

Atonement and Sacrifice

As our Great High Priest, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin. Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Levitical priests, Jesus' sacrifice was once for all. Hebrews 9:11-12 explains, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption."

Intercession and Mediation

Jesus' priestly role includes His ongoing intercession for believers. Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." This intercessory work underscores His role as mediator of the New Covenant, as described in Hebrews 8:6 : "But now Jesus has received a more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises."

Sympathy and Understanding

A key aspect of Jesus' priesthood is His ability to sympathize with human weakness. Having been tempted in every way, yet without sin, He fully understands the human condition. This empathy is a source of comfort and encouragement for believers, as it assures them of His understanding and support in their struggles.

Access to God

Through Jesus, believers have direct access to God. The veil that separated the Holy of Holies in the earthly temple was torn at His crucifixion, symbolizing the new and living way opened through His flesh. Hebrews 10:19-22 encourages believers, "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."

In summary, Jesus as our Great High Priest fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament priesthood, offering a perfect sacrifice, interceding for believers, and providing direct access to God. His priesthood is eternal, compassionate, and foundational to the Christian faith.