The role of Jesus Christ as a high priest is a profound and central tenet of Christian theology, particularly in understanding how believers gain access to God. This concept is deeply rooted in the Old Testament and fulfilled in the New Testament, where Jesus is depicted as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity. To fully grasp this, we must explore the historical context of the high priesthood, the nature of Jesus’ priestly role, and the implications for believers today.
In the Old Testament, the high priest held a unique and critical position within the religious life of Israel. The high priest was the only one permitted to enter the Holy of Holies, the innermost part of the Tabernacle (and later the Temple), and only once a year on the Day of Atonement (Yom Kippur). This was a day dedicated to atoning for the sins of the people of Israel (Leviticus 16). The high priest would offer sacrifices and sprinkle the blood of a bull and a goat on the mercy seat, symbolizing the cleansing of the people’s sins and the restoration of their relationship with God.
However, these sacrifices were temporary and had to be repeated annually. They pointed forward to a more perfect and lasting solution. The writer of Hebrews makes this clear by describing Jesus as the superior high priest who offers a once-for-all sacrifice. In Hebrews 9:11-12, it states:
"But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption." (NIV)
Jesus’ priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood for several reasons. First, it is eternal. The Levitical priests were mortal and their priesthood was temporary. Jesus, however, is a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:17). Melchizedek was a mysterious figure who appears in Genesis 14 and is described as both a king and a priest. His priesthood is seen as eternal and without genealogical beginning or end, symbolizing the eternal nature of Christ’s priesthood.
Second, Jesus’ sacrifice is perfect and complete. Unlike the repeated sacrifices of the Old Testament, Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross was once for all (Hebrews 10:10). This single, perfect sacrifice effectively and eternally atones for the sins of those who believe in Him. This is a stark contrast to the inefficacy of the old sacrificial system, which could never fully remove sin (Hebrews 10:1-4).
Third, Jesus’ role as high priest provides direct access to God. Under the old covenant, the people of Israel could not approach God directly; they needed a mediator. The veil in the Temple symbolized this separation between God and humanity. However, when Jesus died, the veil of the Temple was torn in two from top to bottom (Matthew 27:51), symbolizing the removal of the barrier between God and humanity. This act signifies that through Jesus, believers now have direct access to God. Hebrews 4:14-16 emphasizes this point:
"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." (NIV)
This passage highlights that Jesus, our high priest, not only provides access to God but also understands our struggles and weaknesses. He empathizes with us because He lived as a human and experienced temptation and suffering. This makes Him a compassionate and understanding mediator.
Furthermore, Jesus’ high priesthood is not limited to His sacrificial death. His resurrection and ascension are also vital aspects of His priestly ministry. Hebrews 7:25 states:
"Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them." (NIV)
Jesus’ ascension into heaven means He is seated at the right hand of the Father, continually interceding on behalf of believers. This ongoing intercession assures us that our relationship with God is secure and that we have a constant advocate in heaven.
The implications of Jesus’ high priesthood for believers are profound. Firstly, it assures us of our salvation. Because Jesus’ sacrifice is perfect and complete, we can have confidence that our sins are forgiven and that we are reconciled to God. This assurance is not based on our own efforts or righteousness but on the finished work of Christ.
Secondly, it provides us with direct access to God. We no longer need a human mediator to approach God. Through Jesus, we can come boldly to the throne of grace, knowing that we will receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. This access is a privilege and should encourage us to cultivate a deep and personal relationship with God through prayer and worship.
Thirdly, Jesus’ high priesthood offers us comfort and encouragement. Knowing that Jesus understands our weaknesses and intercedes for us gives us strength to endure trials and temptations. We are not alone in our struggles; we have a compassionate high priest who is with us and for us.
In addition, Jesus’ high priesthood calls us to a life of holiness and service. As those who have been redeemed by His blood, we are called to live in a way that honors Him. 1 Peter 2:9 describes believers as a "royal priesthood," indicating that we share in Christ’s priestly ministry by offering spiritual sacrifices and proclaiming the praises of God. This means living out our faith in practical ways, serving others, and bearing witness to the gospel.
Moreover, Jesus’ high priesthood shapes our understanding of the church. The church is the body of Christ, and as such, it is a community of believers who have direct access to God through Jesus. This access is not limited to a select few but is available to all who believe. This should foster a sense of unity and mutual support within the church as we encourage one another in our faith and walk with God.
In conclusion, Jesus’ role as a high priest is central to the Christian faith. It fulfills the Old Testament sacrificial system and provides believers with direct access to God. His perfect and complete sacrifice assures us of our salvation, and His ongoing intercession gives us confidence and comfort. As believers, we are called to live in the light of this truth, cultivating a deep relationship with God, living holy lives, and serving others. This understanding of Jesus as our high priest not only enriches our faith but also transforms our lives, drawing us closer to God and to one another.
