Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens
1. The principal focus in the study of Hebrews – the Lord Jesus is our High Priest
2. A High Priest like no other
a. He is seated at the right hand of God
b. He is the Minister of the sanctuary and the true tabernacle
REVIEW OF THE LORD JESUS AS OUR HIGH PRIEST Hebrews 2-5
1. The role of the High Priest
a. A representative of God
“… in things pertaining to God” (Hebrews 2:17)
i. He is expected to know the things of God
ii. He is meant to pass this knowledge to the people (Malachi 2:7)
b. A representative of men
“… to make propitiation for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17)
i. He is to bear the sins of the people
ii. He is to help bring the problem of sin to God – to make propitiation for the sins of the people
iii. He also enters into the Presence of God on behalf of the people, bringing them close to God
c. A relatable source of help
“He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray” (Hebrews 5:2)
i. He can offer compassion because he himself is subject to weakness
ii. Part of God’s design and provision
2. Jesus’ perfect fulfilment of the role of the High Priest
a. Made like His brethren (Hebrews 2:17)
i. He is able to aid those who are tempted for He Himself was tempted
ii. He is a High Priest who is able to sympathise with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15)
b. He was faithful as Son (Hebrews 5:8-10)
i. More than just as servant (Hebrews 3:6)
ii. He learned obedience by the things He suffered
iii. He was perfected
iv. He became the author of eternal salvation
c. He is seated at the right hand of God
i. He has passed through the heavens
ii. He is continually in the Presence of God
iii. Through Him, we can come to the very throne of God to ask for help in our time of need
THE APPLICATION OF THIS DOCTRINE
1. Hold fast our confession (Hebrews 4:14)
a. The Lord Jesus continues to minister on our behalf
b. We can always look to Him for help through the wilderness
2. Challenged by the example of Jesus as High Priest
a. We are also part of the royal priesthood (1 Peter 2:9)