Hebrews 4:14-16 Jesus is Greater

This week’s memory verse displays the significance of Christ above religious systems. The Book of Hebrews was written to a Jewish audience. The author of Hebrews compares the Jewish religion to Jesus. It demonstrates the superiority of Christ in all things.

Hebrews 4:14-16 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

This passage was first written to encourage Jewish Christians in the faith. It begins by comparing Jesus to the Jewish High Priest. To the Jew, the high priest was the leader of their religious system. The Jews religious practices operate under one High Priest who represent Israel before God. They depended upon this High Priest.

The High Priest was the only one God permitted to go into the designated holy room in the Jewish Temple. This room was called the Holy of Holies. The High Priest would go behind a veil to enter this Holy Room. While in this room, He would sprinkle blood on the Ark of the Covenant for the remission of sins on the holy day known as Yom Kippur or the Day of Atonement. The High priest could only enter this holy room on this holy day.

In contrast to the Jewish High priest, the author of Hebrews plainly states Jesus is Greater. He is the Great High Priest (Heb4:14).

Jesus has no need for an earthly temple, He passed through the heavenly veil (vs14.) and he rules from the throne of Grace (Vs.16) on our behalf.  Jesus represents his people every day. This makes him the Great High Priest. He is Jesus the Son of God (vs.14). The name Jesus means salvation. The phrase Son of God is a claim of Deity. Literally, Jesus is the Saving God.

During the time the book of Hebrews was written, Jewish Christians found themselves under persecution and pressure*.* They were being tempted by the Jews to give up their confession of Faith in Christ (see Hebrews 3:6,14; 4:14). However the author of Hebrews reminds them of their need to continue to rest in Jesus (Heb 4:8).

The fact that God cares so much about you may sound too good to be true. We may doubt that God wants to hear from us. Some people feel guilty “bothering” God with their problems. After all, doesn’t God have enough to do?

Fortunately, Hebrews 4:14-16 reminds us that God desires to hear from you. In fact, the text tells us to Come Boldly to his throne. The reason we can come boldly is because Jesus sympathizes with us (vs.15). As a man, Jesus was tempted as we were yet without sin. God relates to you.

Jesus is always available. In the Jewish religious system, a Jew could not come to the throne of God. He or she had to wait for the priest to do it. However, in Christ you can go BOLDLY to God any time. Jesus is the Saving God and He is your High Priest.

So here is the encouragement for you… Are you in a tough spot? Do you feel like giving up? Don’t do it. Jesus is greater. God really wants to hear from you. He doesn’t want you to delay. He wants you to run right to him. You don’t need a religious leader to give you access to God. You don’t need a religious system to grant you access to God. You don’t need a religious building in order to enter God’s Presence. You need Jesus. You can go before his gracious throne right now and talk to him. Share your burden with him. God cares. He demonstrated it by dying on the cross for you. Go to Him. There is no better place you can go. Jesus is Greater.