Browse Bible Study Resources

SSS4 : Epistle to the Hebrews : Lesson 15

Text: Hebrews 4: 14-16
18 August 2019

A GLIMPSE OF THE MINISTRY OF THE HIGH PRIESTHOOD IN ISRAEL

1. Purpose of the priesthood
To minister before the LORD as His priest (Exodus 28:1, 41)

2. Clothing of the priests

a) For glory (Exodus 28:2a)
b) For beauty (Exodus 28:2b)
c) Priests are to be properly attired
to serve as priests of the LORD (Exodus 28:4)

3. Two symbolic onyx stones

a) 6 tribes on one stone (Exodus 28:9)
b) These stones represent Israel
c) Stones to be placed on the shoulders
of the priest’s ephod
d) As a memorial (Exodus 28:12)

4. Breastplate of judgment

a) The names of the twelve tribes
on the breastplate over his heart (Exodus 28:30)
b) Urim and Thummim
c) God will send His judgment
through the high priest (Exodus 28:30)
d) He has to seek God’s wisdom

5. Plate of pure gold with the following words:
“HOLINESS TO THE LORD” (Exodus 28:36)

a) Part of the headgear
b) Placed on the turban (Exodus 28:37)
c) On the forehead (Exodus 28:38a)
d) To bear the iniquity of the people (Exodus 28:38b)
e) To be made acceptable to the LORD (Exodus 28:38c)

OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST

1. First mention
A merciful and faithful High Priest (Hebrews 2:17)

2. Second mention
The High Priest of our confession (Hebrews 3:1)

3. Third mention

a) A great High Priest who has passed through the heavens (Hebrews 4:14)
b) Jesus, the Son of God

SIGNIFICANCE OF JESUS BEING OUR HIGH PRIEST

1. He deals with all things pertaining to God (Hebrews 2:17a)

2. He is able to make propitiation for our sins (Hebrews 2:17b)

3. He is able to give us aid (Hebrews 2:18)

4. He is our Example of faithfulness (Hebrews 3:1)

5. He is able to sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15a)

6. He was tempted as we are, but He was sinless (Hebrews 4:15b)

UNDERSTANDING AND APPLICATION

1. Let us come boldly to the throne of grace (Hebrews 4:16a)

2. We may obtain mercy (Hebrews 4:16b)

3. We may find grace to help in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16c)