. . . since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16, NASB)
The author of the book of Hebrews discusses God’s throne of grace. If you’re a believer in His Son, Jesus Christ, you have 24/7 access to the throne, and all the benefits that belong. Among those are “that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” I need that! Who wouldn’t want that?
Our writer (many Bible scholars think it’s Apostle Paul, but we don’t know for sure) tells us why we can “draw near with confidence to the throne”: It’s because we have a “great high priest,” in the form of “Jesus the Son of God.”
When Moses led God’s people through the wilderness, he received God’s commandments, including how to construct and operate His Tabernacle. Included were instructions on the duties of the priests. In the Tabernacle, and later in King Solomon’s Temple, the priests were to offer animal sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people. The high priest was to enter into the presence of God once a year, into the holy-of-holies, to seek forgiveness for the people’s sins.
The author calls Jesus the “great high priest.” Indeed He is! He offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, the unblemished Lamb of God, to atone for our sins. Whereas the high priest had to perform his duties annually, the Great High Priest sacrificed Himself once for all time. This High Priest is acquainted with our trials and tribulations, having been tempted by the same things we are, but knowing no sin during His earthly sojourn. The Bible tells us that Jesus ascended into heaven after His resurrection, where even now He sits at the right hand of the Father. If you belong to Jesus, He is your Advocate, which is why you have access to the throne of grace.
Do you know Him? Would you accept God’s offer of “mercy and . . . grace to help in time of need”? Jesus is waiting for you.