Our Great High Priest

Verses 14, 15, and 16 in Hebrews ch. 4—when taken together—are some of the most encouraging in the entire Bible. Last month and the month prior, our Blog decided that “moralism,” and its close cousin “pragmatism,” are incompatible with what twelve step recovery would consider a reliance on the healing power of our higher power, Jesus Christ. Heb. 4:14–16 offers robust instruction for God–reliant living that provides wholeness of soul, that only the mercy of God can provide. 

Hebrews 4:14 (CSB)  

14Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession.  

In straight forward fashion the author of Hebrews states, Jesus is divine. He is the “Son of God,” and he has “passed through the heavens.” Because he is God he is able to fill the office of Priest. The Levitical Priest served his entire life sacrificing animals for the sin of other human beings (Exod. 29:1–37; Lev. 8:5–35; Num. 25:10–13; ). As God, Jesus is able to offer his human life for our sin as the “Great High Priest.” 

Hebrews 4:15 (CSB)  

15For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.  

Jesus is able to understand our temptations. His sacrifice is meant to empower the believer to live a new life, not by human strength and decision, but by his sacrifice. The word “weakness” in the New Testament is used to describe “limited capacity” or “in need of assistance” (see 2 Cor. 12:9; Rom. 15:1). The work of God, by way of the Cross, provides the assistance the believer is dependent upon.  

Hebrews 4:16 (CSB)  

16Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.  

Inventory is not work that sets you free from your past by way of forgiveness, it is work that positions you to receive an offering of freedom by the will of God. Encouragement with inventory is a bold way to “approach the throne of grace.” The author of Hebrews is affirming God as relational—that through his Son, God understands our suffering, and by his Spirit he will draw on that relationship to heal hurts, undo habits, and sooth hang–ups—healing that leads to understanding divine mercy. 

Monday night is always a good night for CR!