Why It Is A Big Deal that Jesus Is Our High Priest

It's a big deal because Jesus rescues us from sin, fear, and death. 3:1-2

 Its a big deal because Jesus was sent by God.

- Apostle and High Priest - 4:14-16

It's a big deal because Jesus gives us mercy and grace in time of need. - 5:1-10

v. 1-4 Old Testament High Priests descended through Aaron are appointed to serve but they are imperfect men.

v. 5-6 Its a big deal because Jesus was appointed by God.

Psalm 2:7–8 “I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession.”

Psalm 110:4 “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

v. 7-8 It's a big deal because Jesus, the Son of God, obeyed the Father perfectly and suffered willingly. This qualifies Jesus as High Priest and demonstrates his humanity.

v. 9-10 It's a big deal because Jesus is perfect and therefore, the source of our salvation.

It's a big deal because he is not from Aaron, but from Melchizedek. Genesis 14:17-20

6:19-20

It's a big deal because Jesus is the anchor of our souls.

It's a big deal because Jesus entered the Holy of Holies.

It's a big deal because Jesus is eternal. - 7:1-22

Now, let’s try to understand Melchizedek -

Genesis 14:17–20 “After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was a priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.”

•      A mysterious but important individual.

•      King of Salem - would become Jerusalem.

•      A King and Priest, but not from Abraham or Aaron.

•      No genealogy and no birth/death recorded.

•      He blessed Abraham and Abraham gives an offering.

v. 11-14 It's a big deal because Jesus isn’t from the line of Aaron (Levitical) but from the eternal line of Melchizedek.

v. 15-19 It's a big deal because Jesus is a better hope so we can draw near to God.

v. 20-22 It's a big deal because Jesus guarantees a new and better covenant!

 HE IS THE FINAL PERFECTION, THE EFFECTIVE SACRIFICE.