“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.”– Hebrews 4:14 (KJV)
“So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe.”– Hebrews 4:14 (NLT)
“Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers.”– Hebrews 4:14 (MSG)
What Does Hebrews 4:14 Mean?
Hebrews 4:14 talks about Jesus as our great high priest. To understand this, we need to consider what a high priest was in the Old Testament. The high priest was the one who offered sacrifices to God on behalf of the people. This role was incredibly important because it facilitated the connection between God and humanity, allowing people to be forgiven for their sins. Jesus is described as a great high priest who not only performs these duties but surpasses them. He offers Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, making a way for us to have a direct relationship with God.
When we read that He has “passed into the heavens,” it signifies that He has completed His work on earth. After His death and resurrection, Jesus ascended into heaven, demonstrating His victory over sin and death. This means that He is not just an earthly priest who has to continually offer sacrifices but a heavenly priest who has made the ultimate sacrifice once and for all. Because of this, we can approach Him with confidence instead of fear, knowing that He understands our struggles and is ready to help us.
Hebrews 4:14 Explanation and Commentary
This verse provides powerful encouragement for us. When it tells us that we have a great high priest, it reminds us of the unique access we have to Jesus. In the days of old, people had to rely on priests to communicate with God. They would bring their offerings to the temple, hoping that the priest’s sacrifices would be enough to cover their sins. However, we live in a time where Jesus has become our direct link to God.
The phrase “let us hold fast our profession” is a call to faithfulness. It’s like a reminder for us to stick to what we believe. Life can be tough, and sometimes our faith might waver. But this verse is encouraging us to stand firm in our beliefs, rooted in the assurance that Jesus is right there with us. We are not alone in our struggles. We have a high priest who not only intercedes for us but also understands us. This truth can provide comfort and reassurance during difficult times.
We often face various challenges in our lives, whether they are health issues, relationship struggles, or financial hardships. In these moments, we can be tempted to lose hope or question our faith. However, this verse reminds us that our great high priest is fully aware of what we are going through. He has walked the earth and faced trials as we do. He empathizes with our struggles, enabling us to approach Him boldly and confidently.
Understanding that Jesus is interceding for us can bring immense peace. When we pray, we know that we are not just speaking into the void but talking to someone who deeply cares about our situations. We can lean on Him, share our burdens, and trust that He is advocating for us. This truth should inspire us to strengthen our relationship with Him as we face life’s ups and downs.
Context of Hebrews 4:14
To fully appreciate the meaning of Hebrews 4:14, we need to look at the context within the book of Hebrews. This book was written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution. They were tempted to revert back to their old ways, including relying on the old sacrificial system. The author emphasizes the superiority of Christ and desires to encourage believers to remain steadfast in their faith.
Earlier in Hebrews, we learn about Jesus being greater than angels and the importance of faith. The author points out that Jesus is not just another prophet or teacher but the Son of God, deserving of our highest authority and faith. The theme of Christ’s superiority continues throughout the book, establishing Him as the author and perfecter of our faith. Through the lens of this culture, we can grasp the significance of having a high priest who is entirely accessible and relatable to our human experiences.
As we continue reading through Hebrews, it becomes evident that the focus is on confidence in Christ. Our high priest is not only compassionate but powerful. The backing of this verse shows us that Jesus accomplished what no earthly priest could. By entering the heavens, He provides us with the assurance that all God’s promises are fulfilled in Him.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Hebrews 4:14
Let’s break down the key elements of the verse. When we consider the words “great high priest,” we acknowledge His unparalleled position. Unlike previous high priests who died and had to be succeeded, Jesus lives eternally, continuously interceding for us. This truth reassures us that we can count on Him at any moment.
The phrase “passed into the heavens” signifies His ascension and sovereign authority over all things, confirming His divine nature. It establishes Him not only as our priest but also as our king. Because of His authority, we are encouraged to approach Him boldly. We need not feel insignificant or unworthy, but instead, we are invited to come close.
Finally, the call to “hold fast our profession” is a challenge for us as believers. It pushes us to persist in our faith even in moments of doubt or struggle. We are reminded not to sway or drift away but to stand firm knowing that He supports us. When we cling to our faith, we reaffirm our trust in the goodness and power of God.
Lessons to Learn From Hebrews 4:14
In this powerful verse, we can take away several important lessons. One key takeaway is the power of intercession. Knowing that Christ intercedes on our behalf gives us great comfort. It changes the way we view prayer, understanding it as a direct link to heaven where our Savior advocates for us.
Another lesson revolves around the concept of access. Our invitation to approach God directly, without barriers, is transformative. It allows us to deepen our relationship with Him. We are not limited by rituals or traditions but are free to communicate with our Father at any time. This openness fosters a rich spiritual life, encouraging growth and maturity in our faith.
Lastly, the encouragement to hold fast to our profession teaches us about perseverance. There will be difficult days ahead, but standing firm in our faith is crucial to overcoming challenges. We can look to Jesus as our example of endurance and faithfulness. He faced trials yet remained steadfast in His mission. By His strength, we can also remain steadfast and resilient amidst our struggles.
Final Thoughts
Hebrews 4:14 serves as a beautiful reminder of Jesus’s role as our great high priest. It reassures us of His availability, understanding, and strength. We are invited to come boldly before Him, knowing that He empathizes with our struggles and fights for us in prayer. This truth encourages us to remain firm in our faith, confident in His promises and sufficiency.
As we reflect on this verse, let’s think about how we can deepen our relationship with Jesus. Each day presents an opportunity for us to draw closer to Him through prayer and scripture. The more we spend time with our great high priest, the more we’ll understand His heart for us and how we can live out our faith with purpose and power. We invite you to explore more topics that will deepen your understanding of scripture and encourage your walk with God. Check out 1 Corinthians 14:3 for additional insights on strengthening your faith!