1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God and one Mediator between God and men, the Man Christ Jesus,
One of the most profound truths in Scripture is that there is only one mediator between God and man and that is Christ Jesus. The Old Testament gives us a picture of this through the ministry of the high priest, the only person permitted to enter the Most Holy Place to offer sacrifices on behalf of the people. His role was essential in the Old Testament because sinful humanity could not approach a holy God directly. So, the writer of Hebrews puts it this way in -
Hebrews 4:14-16
14 Seeing then that 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 was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
This scripture reminds us that we now have a Great High Priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God. Unlike the priests of old, Jesus is not limited by weakness, sin, or mortality. He is both fully God and fully man, able to sympathize with our struggles yet without sin. Because of Him, we are invited to “come boldly to the throne of grace” to receive MERCY and GRACE in our time of need.
So why do we need a high priest and why is Jesus the great high priest.
In the Old Testament, the high priest stood between God and the people, offering the blood of bulls and goats to atone for sin, both his sin and that of the people. Without the blood the high priest could not go into the Holy of Holies. But this was temporary and imperfect. The sacrifices had to be repeated, and the priest himself needed forgiveness. Well, the Good-News is that all of it pointed toward something greater. Jesus Christ the great high Priest.
The high priest was the mediator between God and the people of Israel. The high priest had the right to do this because he was chosen by God.
Hebrews 5:1-4
For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. 3 Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins. 4 And no man takes this honour to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.
The Old Testament high priesthood was a shadow of what God was planning for the wider humanity. The old sacrifices only covered sin, it did not remove sin. In the Old Testament there was a distance between the people and God. The sacrifice had to be done every year to atone for the sins of the people. The Hebrew writer puts it this way.
Hebrews 10:1-4
1 For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. 2 For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. 3 But in those sacrifices, there is a reminder of sins every year. 4 For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.
But God, in His infinite wisdom and mercy, had a plan from the beginning to reconcile humanity to Himself. He gave His only begotten Son, who was crucified, buried, and rose again. Through His death and resurrection, Jesus opened the way for us to approach God without fear and became our great High Priest and Mediator. From the very beginning, God’s heart was set on restoring humanity. Even when sin created distance, fear, and separation. God gave His only begotten Son to become a propitiation for our sins and not for ours only but also for the whole world. (1 John 2:2) He became the atonement; He appeased God for our sins by the blood He shed on Calvary. His death didn’t just cover sin, it removed sin; it opened the way to a new life with God.
Hebrews 9:15
15 And for this reason He is the Mediator of the new covenant, by means of death, for the redemption of the transgressions under the first covenant, that those who are called may receive the promise of the eternal inheritance.
The scripture in Hebrews 4:14 is deeply encouraging because the writer wants us to see something that keeps us from giving up. He reminds us that we have a great High Priest, not distant, not unreachable who invites us to come closer. He calls us to move past our fears, our doubts, our failures, and our frailties.
This High Priest speaks to God on our behalf. He understands our weaknesses, because He was tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. His message to us is simple: “I’ve got you. I’ve got your back. Come up here.” If you have sinned, there is forgiveness. If you feel weak, there is grace. And on this pilgrimage, He gives strength for every step.
In conclusion, these are seven things the writer of Hebrews wants you to see.
Hebrews 4:14-16
YOU HAVE A HIGH PRIEST
You have, not you will or had. You do have a great high priest and His name is Jesus Christ. Jesus is not distant; He represents you before God.
YOUR HIGH PRIEST IS GREAT
He is not just another priest. He is the Son of God, exalted, victorious, and enthroned. He is the GREAT HIGH PRIEST.
HE KNOWS YOUR WEAKNESSES
He is not ashamed of you. He understands temptation, pressure, fatigue, sorrow, and struggle. He has been where you are, yet without sin.
HOLD FAST YOUR BELIEF
Hold on to your confession, your faith, your identity, your hope. Don’t let circumstances loosen your grip.
COME BOLDLY
Come with confidence to the throne of grace because you are welcomed, wanted, and washed.
OBTAIN MERCY
Mercy for your failures. Mercy for your weaknesses. Mercy for the moments you didn’t get it right. God’s throne room is a place of compassion.
RECEIVE GRACE FOR THE JOURNEY
Grace for today, grace for tomorrow, a continuous grace. Grace for your high calling. Grace for the pressure. Grace for the unknown. Grace that strengthens, sustains, and empowers you to keep going.
So Church, as we celebrate the crucifixion, death and resurrection, of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ remember this:
He is our great High Priest, ever-present, ever‑faithful, ever‑interceding.
He carries your name, your story, your struggles, and your victories before the Father.
You matter to Him.
You matter to God.
Your life is not overlooked, your prayers are not ignored, and your journey is not unseen.
Because He lives, you can stand with confidence, walk with hope, and rest in His unfailing love. Because He lives you can face tomorrow without fear.
Finally, if you’ve never had the opportunity to know Jesus as your Lord and Saviour, this can be a beautiful moment to open your heart to Him. He loves you; you matter to Him and to the Father, and He is ready to come and live and walk with you if you invite Him into your life today.
