Day 59 : Hebrews 4:14-16
Read Hebrews 4:14-16
Helpful Background Information:
On “High Priest” - In the context of this section of Hebrews, the author is speaking about how in the Old Testament, the Israelites had a high priest who was the only way they could have access to God. The high priest was the one who had to do purifying rituals to make himself “pure” to go into the presence of God, went into the presence of God (His Temple), and made intercession for the people of God. Now, to summarize the author of Hebrews, we no longer have a mere human as an intercessor, but Jesus Christ Himself is our direct access to God. There is no more barrier between us in God. Rather, because of the work of Christ, we have direct access to the Father through Jesus Himself. This is why the New Testament describes Jesus as the better and perfect High Priest (e.g. Heb. 2:10, 5:6-10).
Read Hebrews 2:14-18, the author seems to resume his line of thinking from 2:14-18 in chapter 4:14-16.
Reflection Questions:
“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin” (4:15). Why is it so important that Jesus has been through what we’ve been through?
Reread 4:15-16. How is this a comfort to you?
How does Jesus sympathizing with us challenge your view of Him?
Where do you see the wonderful truth of Heb. 4:14-16 in Mark 5:21-43?