Having therefore a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast the confession. For we have not a high priest not able to sympathize with our infirmities, but tempted in all things in like manner, sin apart. Let us approach therefore with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy, and find grace for seasonable help. Hebrews 4:14–16 JND
Today’s text begins the subject of Christ’s priesthood. In Hebrews it is a subject that begins in chapter 4:14–16, and it is developed and continues throughout until chapter 10:23.
There are two priests presented in Hebrews who serve as types of the priesthood of Christ: Melchisedec and Aaron. The former is used to show that there was to be a change in the order of the priesthood, the latter to serve as the pattern of Christ’s priesthood. And this is exactly what is presented here, just as Aaron entered the Most Holy place of the tabernacle once a year, on the Day of Atonement, so the Lord Jesus passed through the heavens. But there is a contrast too: Aaron did this every year, Christ only once—a completed work! The Lord Jesus here is called the great High Priest. None of the previous high priests—Aaron or his descendants—were ever called “great,” only the Lord Jesus.
Another thing here is this great High Priest is described as sympathetic; He is able to sympathize with us! Of course He cannot sympathize with our sins but with all our trials, temptations, and difficulties here in the wilderness of this world. And not only this, but He provides for us “seasonable help.” This means help which is right on time. We do not receive help for trials which have not yet come but when we need it. How many of us can recall that just when we most needed a word of comfort in our difficulties it arrived right on time!