The Lord Will

Christ Our Great High Priest in the Bible

Christ is our great High Priest, the one who offered himself once for all and now lives to intercede on our behalf. The Epistle to the Hebrews develops this truth with unmatched beauty: 'Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession' (Hebrews 4:14). Unlike the priests of the old covenant, who had to offer repeated sacrifices for their own sins and the sins of the people, Jesus offered himself a single time (Hebrews 7:27). His sacrifice was perfect and eternal, and his priesthood never passes away. He is not a distant or indifferent mediator: 'For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses' (Hebrews 4:15), for he was tempted as we are, yet without sin. This compassion opens to the believer a direct and confident access to the presence of God. That is why the sacred author exhorts us, 'Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need' (Hebrews 4:16). Furthermore, 'he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them' (Hebrews 7:25). These verses reveal Jesus as the compassionate mediator who fully understands us and leads us with assurance into the very heart of the Father.

Key verse snapshot

“And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.”

Bible Verses about Christ Our Great High Priest

6 Scripture passages on this theme

Acts 4:6

“And Annas the high priest, and Caiaphas, and John, and Alexander, and as many as were of the kindred of the high priest, were gathered together at Jerusalem.”

John 18:15

“And Simon Peter followed Jesus, and so did another disciple: that disciple was known unto the high priest, and went in with Jesus into the palace of the high priest.”

Numbers 35:28

“Because he should have remained in the city of his refuge until the death of the high priest: but after the death of the high priest the slayer shall return into the land of his possession.”

2 Kings 23:15

“Moreover the altar that was at Beth–el, and the high place which Jeroboam the son of Nebat, who made Israel to sin, had made, both that altar and the high place he brake down, and burned the high place, and stamped it small to powder, and burned the grove.”

Habakkuk 3:19

“The Lord God is my strength, and he will make my feet like hinds’ feet, and he will make me to walk upon mine high places. To the chief singer on my stringed instruments. ”

Judges 18:19

“And they said unto him, Hold thy peace, lay thine hand upon thy mouth, and go with us, and be to us a father and a priest: is it better for thee to be a priest unto the house of one man, or that thou be a priest unto a tribe and a family in Israel?”

Frequently Asked Questions

What does it mean that Christ is our High Priest?
Hebrews 4:14-15 calls him 'a great high priest... who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses.' Unlike the priests of old, Jesus offered himself once for all (Hebrews 7:27) and now lives to intercede on our behalf, giving us a mediator who truly understands us.
Why does it matter that Jesus is our High Priest?
Because he gives us direct access to God and a mediator who understands us. Hebrews 4:16 encourages us: 'Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace.' In Christ we come to God boldly and receive mercy in our time of need.
How does Jesus intercede for us?
Hebrews 7:25 affirms that he 'is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.' His constant intercession guarantees the believer's perseverance and security.

Apply These Verses to Your Life

Scripture comes alive when we meditate on it and apply it daily. Read these verses in full context, pray for understanding, and ask God how they speak to your situation with christ our great high priest.

Author:
The Lord Will Editorial Team
Reviewed by:
Ugo Candido
Last updated:
Category:
Scripture Guidance