The concept of Jesus as the Great High Priest is a central theme in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Hebrews. This title emphasizes Jesus' unique role in mediating between God and humanity, fulfilling and surpassing the functions of the Old Testament priesthood.

Old Testament Priesthood

In the Old Testament, the high priest served as the chief religious leader of the Israelites, responsible for performing sacrifices and entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement to offer blood for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16). The high priest was a descendant of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and was tasked with maintaining the covenantal relationship between God and Israel.

Jesus' Priesthood in Hebrews

The Epistle to the Hebrews presents Jesus as the ultimate fulfillment of the high priestly role. Unlike the Levitical priests, who were many in number and subject to death, Jesus is described as a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17). This reference to Melchizedek, a mysterious priest-king from Genesis 14:18-20, underscores the eternal and superior nature of Jesus' priesthood.

Hebrews 4:14-16 highlights Jesus' empathetic and approachable nature as the Great High Priest: "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."

Sacrifice and Intercession

Jesus' priesthood is marked by His once-for-all sacrifice. Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Levitical priests, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect and final sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 9:11-12 states, "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."

Furthermore, Jesus continues His priestly work through intercession. Hebrews 7:25 affirms, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." This ongoing intercession assures believers of their secure standing before God.

Access to God

Through Jesus' high priestly ministry, believers have direct access to God. The tearing of the temple veil at the moment of Jesus' death (Matthew 27:51) symbolizes the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. Hebrews 10:19-22 encourages believers to draw near to God with confidence: "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."

Conclusion

The portrayal of Jesus as the Great High Priest in the New Testament reveals the depth of His redemptive work and His ongoing role in the lives of believers. Through His perfect sacrifice and eternal intercession, Jesus provides a way for humanity to be reconciled to God, offering a relationship characterized by grace, mercy, and direct access to the divine presence.