GREAT HIGH PRIEST
Definition:
The Christian Meaning of “Great High Priest”
The title Great High Priest refers uniquely to Jesus Christ as the perfect mediator between God and humanity. It is drawn primarily from Hebrews, which presents Jesus as the fulfillment and completion of the entire Old Testament priesthood.
Jesus is the Great High Priest because:
He represents humanity before God
He offers the perfect sacrifice — Himself
He brings complete forgiveness
He intercedes continually for His people
He opens direct access to God for all believers
1. The Old Testament Background
In the Old Testament, the High Priest was:
The mediator between God and Israel
The only one who could enter the Holy of Holies
The one who offered the Day of Atonement sacrifice
A descendant of Aaron
Responsible for carrying the sins of the people
The Old Testament priesthood reveals humanity’s need for a mediator and the seriousness of sin.
This truth prepares believers to understand why Christ’s priesthood is necessary and superior.
You can see the entire priestly system as a signpost pointing toward Jesus.
2. Jesus as the Great High Priest
“We have a great high priest… Jesus the Son of God.” — Hebrews 4:14
Jesus surpasses the old priests:
He is sinless
His priesthood is eternal
His sacrifice is once for all
He serves in the heavenly sanctuary
He offers His own blood
Jesus fulfills and completes the entire priestly system.
This truth shows that no further sacrifice or mediator is needed.
You can rest in the sufficiency of Christ’s priestly work.
3. Jesus’ Qualifications as Great High Priest
A. He is fully God
So He perfectly reveals the Father and brings divine forgiveness.
B. He is fully human
So He truly understands and represents us.
“We do not have a high priest unable to sympathize…” — Hebrews 4:15
Jesus’ full divinity and full humanity make Him the perfect mediator.
This truth assures believers that Christ understands their weakness and can save completely.
You can approach Jesus with confidence because He knows your humanity from the inside.
4. The Perfect Sacrifice
“He has appeared once for all… to put away sin by the sacrifice of himself.” — Hebrews 9:26
Jesus’ sacrifice is:
Perfect
Final
Sufficient
Effective for all time
Christ’s sacrifice ends the need for all other offerings.
This truth frees believers from guilt and striving.
You can live forgiven because Christ’s sacrifice is complete.
5. The Ongoing Priesthood: Intercession
“He always lives to make intercession for them.” — Hebrews 7:25
Jesus prays for:
Your perseverance
Your forgiveness
Your sanctification
Your protection
Your joy
Jesus’ intercession means believers are never spiritually alone.
This truth gives confidence in prayer and endurance.
You can rely on Christ’s continual advocacy on your behalf.
6. Access to God Through the Great High Priest
Because of Christ, believers have:
Direct access to God
Boldness in prayer
Freedom from fear and guilt
A restored relationship with the Father
“Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence.” — Hebrews 4:16
Christ’s priesthood removes every barrier between God and His people.
This truth invites believers into intimacy with God.
You can draw near to God without dread because Christ stands for you.
7. Jesus as High Priest in Christian Tradition
Augustine: “He is both the priest who offers and the sacrifice offered.”
Aquinas: “Christ is the perfect priest, for He reconciled the human race to God by His death.”
Owen: “The priestly office of Christ is the foundation of all our peace and consolation.”
Christian tradition consistently affirms Christ’s unique priestly role.
This truth roots believers in centuries of theological reflection.
You can trust that Christ’s priesthood is central to the gospel.
8. The Threefold Office of Christ
Christ fulfills three offices:
Prophet — speaks God’s truth
Priest — mediates and sacrifices
King — rules and reigns
The priestly office brings atonement and access to God.
This truth highlights Christ’s unique role in salvation.
You can rest in Christ’s complete work as Prophet, Priest, and King.
9. Summary: What “Great High Priest” Means
To call Jesus the Great High Priest is to affirm:
He is the perfect mediator
He understands human weakness
He offers Himself as the perfect sacrifice
His priesthood is eternal
He intercedes continually
He opens the way to God
He fulfills all priestly imagery
He brings forgiveness and reconciliation
Jesus is the Great High Priest who brings God to us and brings us to God.
Biblical Imagery & Metaphors
Mediator between heaven and earth
Shepherd at the gate
Altar of perfect sacrifice
In Daily Faith
Approach God with confidence through Christ’s intercession.
IN DAILY LIFE: LIVING IN THE LIGHT OF THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST
1. Approach God With Confidence
“Approach God’s throne of grace with confidence…” — Hebrews 4:16
Daily Application
Pray boldly
Bring fears and struggles to God
Trust His help and wisdom
Why This Matters
Christ’s intercession removes fear and invites intimacy.
Encouragement
Your High Priest welcomes you into God’s presence.
2. Rest in the Perfect Sacrifice
“He has appeared once for all…” — Hebrews 9:26
Daily Application
Confess sins freely
Release guilt and shame
Live in freedom
Why This Matters
Christ’s sacrifice is complete — nothing needs to be added.
Encouragement
Your sins are fully covered by Jesus’ blood.
3. Draw Strength From His Sympathy
“He sympathizes with our weaknesses…” — Hebrews 4:15
Daily Application
Share struggles honestly
Seek His guidance in temptation
Encourage others with His empathy
Why This Matters
Jesus understands your humanity from experience.
Encouragement
You are never misunderstood by your High Priest.
4. Rely on His Ongoing Intercession
“He always lives to make intercession…” — Hebrews 7:25
Daily Application
Pray with confidence
Lift others in prayer
Rest in His advocacy
Why This Matters
Christ’s prayers sustain your faith.
Encouragement
Jesus never stops praying for you.
5. Live Boldly in Relationship With God
“Christ… is interceding for us.” — Romans 8:34
Daily Application
Act in faith, not fear
Make choices that honor God
Encourage others in grace
Why This Matters
Christ’s intercession secures your acceptance.
Encouragement
You are safe and loved in God’s presence.
6. Live a Life of Gratitude and Worship
“Since we have a great high priest…” — Hebrews 4:14
Daily Application
Express gratitude daily
Serve others with mercy
Meditate on His sacrifice
Why This Matters
Gratitude deepens faith and shapes character.
Encouragement
Worship flows naturally when you remember His priesthood.
7. Follow His Example in Compassion and Mediation
“One mediator… the man Christ Jesus.” — 1 Timothy 2:5
Daily Application
Be a peacemaker
Represent God with humility
Help others approach God
Why This Matters
Christ’s mediation becomes your model for relationships.
Encouragement
You can extend God’s grace because Christ extends it to you.
8. Live in the Assurance of Eternal Access
“He is able to save completely…” — Hebrews 7:25
Daily Application
Rest in God’s acceptance
Face uncertainty with courage
Share the gospel confidently
Why This Matters
Christ’s priesthood guarantees eternal access to God.
Encouragement
Your future with God is secure.
Summary: Living With the Great High Priest
Believers can:
Approach God with confidence
Rest in His sacrifice
Rely on His sympathy
Trust His intercession
Live boldly in God’s presence
Express gratitude and worship
Follow His example
Live in eternal assurance
Encouragement: Jesus bridges heaven and earth — bringing God to you and bringing you to God.
Biblical Imagery & Metaphors
Mediator between heaven and earth
Shepherd at the gate
Altar of perfect sacrifice
Scripture References
Hebrews 4:14–16,
Hebrews 7:23–28,
Romans 8:34,
Hebrews 9:26,
1 Timothy 2:5