The role of Jesus as our High Priest is a central theme in the New Testament, particularly in the Book of Hebrews. This role is foundational for understanding the work of Christ in the context of salvation, intercession, and the fulfillment of Old Testament priesthood.

Old Testament Background

In the Old Testament, the high priest served as the chief religious leader among the Israelites. He was responsible for performing sacrifices, entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, and interceding on behalf of the people. The high priest was a mediator between God and Israel, offering sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16).

Jesus as the Fulfillment

Jesus is presented 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 eternal priesthood signifies a new and superior covenant.

Perfect Sacrifice

One of the key aspects of Jesus' high priesthood is His role as both priest and sacrifice. Hebrews 9:12 states, "He entered the Most Holy Place once for all, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." Jesus' sacrifice is perfect and complete, unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament, which could never fully atone for sin (Hebrews 10:4).

Intercession

As our High Priest, Jesus continually intercedes for believers. 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, as Jesus advocates on their behalf.

Access to God

Through Jesus' high priestly work, believers have direct access to God. Hebrews 4:14-16 encourages believers to "hold firmly to the faith we profess" and to "approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This access is a profound privilege, made possible by Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection.

Sympathetic High Priest

Jesus' humanity is essential to His role as High Priest. Hebrews 4:15 emphasizes that "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." His experience of human temptation and suffering enables Him to empathize with our struggles, providing comfort and strength to believers.

Mediator of a New Covenant

Jesus, as High Priest, is also the mediator of a new covenant. Hebrews 9:15 explains, "For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that He has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant." This new covenant is based on better promises and offers a more profound relationship with God.

Conclusion

The role of Jesus as our High Priest is multifaceted, encompassing His perfect sacrifice, ongoing intercession, and the establishment of a new covenant. Through His priesthood, believers are granted access to God, assured of their salvation, and comforted by His empathetic understanding of human frailty.