Approach in Boldness
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Key Verse: “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.” Selected Scripture: |
ISRAEL, IN THEIR TABERNACLE arrangements, had a high priest and under priests. In this arrangement, Aaron was the high priest and the spokesman for God. Aaron’s sons were the under priests. (Exod. 40:12-15) In our lesson, the apostle tells us that, antitypically, Jesus Christ is our High Priest.—Heb. 4:14
In chapter three, we are given information about this great High Priest, and are told to consider him. In today’s lesson, we are given information regarding the compassionate nature of Jesus. Our Lord was tested along the same lines as a fallen human being, “yet without sin.”—vs. 15
We might ask, how can this be? He was perfect, “holy, harmless, undefiled, [and] separate from sinners.” (Heb. 7:26) What lesson do we find concerning this great High Priest? It is said, that “Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered.” (Heb. 5:8) Jesus, by his faithfulness in ministering to his people, demonstrated the lessons of obedience, compassion, and mercy. Through all this, we may come “Boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy.”—Heb. 4:16
There may be times when we are overcharged or neglectful of some spiritual privilege. Yet it is here that we may come ‘boldly’ (confidently, courageously), in times of need. Those of Israel could approach the high priest and bring an offering for their mistakes and ask for mercy. In return, they would receive grace. Let us learn to be merciful and compassionate in our dealings with others.
The apostle goes on to say that those of the priesthood of Christ may, like the high priest of old, be able to offer acceptable “gifts and sacrifices” for the sins of mankind. (Heb. 5:1) We might ask what are these ‘gifts and sacrifices’? One is the gift of grace (Eph. 2:8), another the gift of salvation. We may also offer the sacrifice of material assistance. (Phil. 4:18) We may offer the sacrifice of praise with our lips, by communication. (Heb. 13:15,16) May we use these gifts and sacrifices on a daily basis.
Like our great High Priest, we must develop “compassion on the ignorant [uninformed], and on them that are out of the way.” (Heb. 5:2) Like Aaron, who was appointed by God, we must be appointed. We cannot take this honor unto ourselves (vs. 4) yet, going beyond this, we must be “called, and chosen, and faithful.”—Rev. 17:14
This spiritual priesthood will be after the order of Melchizedek. Melchizedek was both king of Salem and a priest. Abraham paid tithes to him. (Gen. 14:18,20) During the kingdom, Jesus and his church will be the antitypical Melchizedek. These will fulfill both aspects of a priest and king. During the next age we will be both priests and kings over the world.
Jesus was called of God, and became our High Priest and “the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him.” (Heb. 5:9,10) How wonderful to know that we can approach God in faith and obedience.
In our key verse of Hebrews 4:14 we are told to ‘Hold fast our profession.’ This has the meaning to acknowledge our covenant. Our profession is our acknowledgement of our covenant of sacrifice.