What does Hebrews 4:14-16 teach about the confidence we have because of Jesus' priesthood?

The Epistle to the Hebrews is a profound and richly theological book that delves into the supremacy of Jesus Christ and His role as our eternal high priest. Hebrews 4:14-16, in particular, offers a compelling and comforting message about the confidence and access we have to God because of Jesus' unique priesthood. These verses read:

"Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." (Hebrews 4:14-16, NIV)

To fully understand the depth of these verses, it's essential to unpack the context and the theological implications they carry.

Jesus as Our Great High Priest

The concept of Jesus as our high priest is central to the book of Hebrews. In the Old Testament, the high priest was the mediator between God and the people, offering sacrifices for sin and entering the Holy of Holies once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur) to make atonement for the people's sins (Leviticus 16). The high priest's role was both sacred and essential, but it was also limited and temporary, needing to be repeated annually.

In contrast, Jesus is described as our "great high priest who has ascended into heaven." This statement underscores several critical points:

1. Superiority and Permanence: Jesus' priesthood is superior to the Aaronic priesthood because He has ascended into heaven, implying a permanent and ongoing ministry. Unlike the high priests of the Old Testament, who were mortal and had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus' sacrifice was once and for all (Hebrews 7:27).

2. Divine Sonship: Jesus is not just any high priest; He is "Jesus the Son of God." This highlights His unique nature as both fully divine and fully human, qualifying Him uniquely to be our mediator.

Empathy and Sinlessness

Hebrews 4:15 emphasizes that Jesus can empathize with our weaknesses because He was "tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin." This statement is profoundly comforting for several reasons:

1. Empathy: Jesus understands our struggles, temptations, and weaknesses because He experienced them firsthand. This empathy is not theoretical but experiential. He knows what it is like to be human, to face trials, and to endure suffering.

2. Sinlessness: Despite being tempted in every way, Jesus did not sin. This sinlessness is crucial because it means that He is the perfect high priest, unblemished and wholly acceptable to God. His sinlessness ensures that His sacrifice is sufficient and complete, providing a perfect atonement for our sins.

Confidence to Approach God's Throne

The culmination of these truths is found in Hebrews 4:16, which encourages us to "approach God’s throne of grace with confidence." This invitation is remarkable and revolutionary for several reasons:

1. Throne of Grace: The term "throne of grace" is significant. Thrones are typically associated with power, judgment, and authority. However, God's throne is described as a throne of grace, emphasizing His willingness to extend mercy and help to those who seek Him.

2. Confidence: Because of Jesus' high priesthood, we can approach God with confidence. This confidence is not based on our merit or righteousness but on the finished work of Jesus Christ. His sacrifice has opened the way for us to come boldly into God's presence without fear of condemnation (Romans 8:1).

3. Receiving Mercy and Grace: When we approach God’s throne, we do so to "receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." Mercy and grace are two sides of the same coin. Mercy involves God withholding the punishment we deserve, while grace involves Him giving us the blessings we do not deserve. In our times of need—whether those needs are spiritual, emotional, or physical—we can be assured that God is ready to provide the help we require.

Practical Implications for Believers

The teachings of Hebrews 4:14-16 have profound practical implications for believers today:

1. Holding Firmly to Our Faith: Knowing that Jesus is our high priest who understands our weaknesses and has provided a perfect sacrifice for our sins, we are encouraged to hold firmly to our faith. This steadfastness is not based on our strength but on the reliability and sufficiency of Jesus' priesthood.

2. Overcoming Temptation: Understanding that Jesus was tempted in every way yet did not sin gives us hope and strength to overcome our own temptations. We can look to Jesus as our example and draw strength from His victory over sin.

3. Access to God: The confidence we have to approach God’s throne of grace transforms our prayer life. We can come to God with our requests, knowing that He is compassionate and ready to extend His mercy and grace. This access is a privilege that should not be taken lightly but embraced with gratitude and reverence.

4. Receiving Help in Times of Need: Life is filled with challenges and difficulties. Hebrews 4:16 assures us that we are not alone in our struggles. We have a high priest who is ready to provide the help we need. This promise encourages us to turn to God in prayer, trusting that He will provide the necessary support and guidance.

Theological Depth and Assurance

The theological depth of Hebrews 4:14-16 cannot be overstated. It encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith—the person and work of Jesus Christ as our mediator and high priest. This passage reassures us of the following:

• Jesus' Ascension and Continued Ministry: Jesus' ascension into heaven signifies the completion of His earthly ministry and the beginning of His ongoing intercession for us. He is continually before the Father, advocating on our behalf (Romans 8:34).

• Humanity and Divinity of Jesus: Jesus' ability to empathize with our weaknesses underscores His genuine humanity, while His sinlessness and divine sonship highlight His deity. This dual nature makes Him the perfect mediator between God and humanity (1 Timothy 2:5).

• Grace and Mercy: The throne of grace represents God's unmerited favor and compassion towards us. It reminds us that our relationship with God is not based on our performance but on His grace.

In essence, Hebrews 4:14-16 provides a rich, multifaceted understanding of the confidence we have because of Jesus' priesthood. It assures us of Jesus' empathy, His sinless perfection, and His ongoing ministry on our behalf. This confidence empowers us to hold firmly to our faith, approach God with boldness, and receive the mercy and grace we need in every circumstance.