Our Great High Priest

“He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…” (Hebrews 1:3).

Hebrews wants us to see the glory of Jesus. He is the radiance of God’s glory, the exact imprint of his nature, and the One who upholds the universe by the word of his power.

And this glorious Son is our Great High Priest.

He “made purification for sins.” Jesus did for us what we could never do for ourselves. He dealt with our guilt before God, and then he sat down. His priestly work was accomplished. Nothing remains for us to add to his sacrifice.

What comfort there is in that. We do not come to God hoping we have done enough, repented well enough, or cleaned ourselves up enough. We come because Jesus has done the work.

The glorious Son is our great priest. And because his work is finished, sinners like us can draw near.

“Before the throne of God above

I have a strong and perfect plea

A great High Priest whose name is love

Who ever lives and pleads for me

My name is graven on His hands

My name is written on His heart

I know that while in heav’n He stands

No tongue can bid me thence depart

No tongue can bid me thence depart” —Before the Throne