Christ, Our High Priest

In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Hebrews 5:7-9

The Old Testament priests were an important part of temple worship. They accepted the sacrifices, offered the gifts, and (after offering sacrifices for their own sins) made intercession for the sins of the people. The priests prefigured the work and ministry of Jesus.

Jesus is the Believer’s great High Priest. His priesthood, though similar to the earthly priesthood, is also different. His priesthood is an eternal priesthood. Jesus had no need to offer sacrifices for His own sins because of his perfect nature. Jesus did not offer animal sacrifices—He offered Himself for our forgiveness and salvation. Jesus priesthood arose from a different source altogether. His priestly work is perfect in every way.

Since these things are true, Jesus offers us salvation. Christ prayed, suffered, and willingly died for our atonement. The work of redemption is complete and He is now seated at the right hand of God making intercession for us, His children (Romans 8:34). Christ saves everyone who believes and trust in Him (Romans 10:10-13).

Jesus is our great High Priest. He is our Mediator. And He calls to those who are lost to trust in Him by faith today.

Tony French