High Priest
Our mediator, sacrifice, and advocate.
Original Word: ἀρχιερεύς (archiereus)
Reference: Hebrews 4:14
Meaning: High priest, chief priest.
The book of Hebrews presents Jesus as the great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, sympathizing with our weakness and interceding for us.
In the Old Testament, the high priest stood between God and the people — offering sacrifices and entering the Most Holy Place once a year.
But those sacrifices were temporary, pointing forward to Christ, the true and greater High Priest.
Jesus not only offered the sacrifice — He *was* the sacrifice. By His blood, He opened the way to God once for all.
A Priest Who Understands
“We do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses” (Hebrews 4:15). Jesus knows our struggles — He lived them.
A Sacrifice Once for All
Unlike priests who offered sacrifices repeatedly, Christ offered Himself once for all, perfecting His people forever (Hebrews 10:12–14).
An Ongoing Advocate
Christ always lives to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25). Our salvation is secure because our High Priest never ceases to plead His finished work on our behalf.
Scripture References
- Hebrews 4:14–16
- Hebrews 7:25
- Hebrews 9:11–12
- Hebrews 10:12–14
- Romans 8:34
Jesus is the eternal High Priest — perfect, sympathetic, and victorious. Through Him, the way to God is open, sin is forgiven, and we have an advocate forever at the Father’s right hand.
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