Episode 779: Jesus the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14-5:10)
Apr 16, 2025
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Alastair Roberts, a theologian, James Bejon, a biblical scholar, and Mark Brians, an Anglican rector, delve into Hebrews 4-5’s profound insights. They discuss the priesthood's moral integrity over rituals and Jesus as the compassionate high priest who understands human struggles. The conversation highlights how Christ’s temptations relate to believers' challenges today. They emphasize the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood compared to the traditional Levitical roles, showcasing the enduring significance of His sacrifice and access to divine grace.
Hebrews highlights Jesus' dual role as a compassionate and exalted high priest who understands human weaknesses intimately.
The episode contrasts the relational model of Jesus' priesthood with the ritualistic and judgmental nature of the Old Testament priests.
Jesus' unique divine appointment as high priest, tied to Melchizedek, challenges the legitimacy of contemporary priesthood and affirms His unique authority.
Deep dives
Father Mark Bryans and His Ministry
Father Mark Bryans serves as the rector of All Saints Anglican Church in Honolulu and plays a pivotal role in leading a network of Anglican church plants across the Hawaiian islands. In addition to his parish work, he is involved with a K-12 hybrid school in collaboration with other Anglican churches in the area. Bryans also contributes to a group of reform pastors focused on training local leaders through a small hybrid seminary. His diverse commitments showcase his dedication to nurturing both spiritual and educational growth within his community.
The Importance of the Priesthood in Hebrews
The letter to the Hebrews emphasizes the priesthood, particularly reintroducing its significance in chapter four, where the text highlights the dual roles of Jesus as both sympathetic and exalted. Unlike the Old Testament priests, characterized primarily by ritual duties, Hebrews focuses on the moral qualities and compassionate nature of the high priest. Jesus is portrayed as someone who empathizes with human weaknesses and offers a unique understanding of temptation. This compassionate role contrasts sharply with the judgmental and heavy-handed approach of the Old Testament priests, showcasing a more relational model of leadership.
Jesus: The Compassionate High Priest
In Hebrews, Jesus is described as a high priest who can genuinely sympathize with human frailties because He has experienced temptation in every way, yet remained sinless. This portrayal emphasizes the relational aspect of Jesus' priesthood, allowing believers to approach Him confidently in times of need. Unlike the traditional view of priests as mere ritual specialists, Jesus embodies compassion and understanding, creating a bridge between humanity and the divine. His ability to deal gently with the ignorant and misguided highlights the importance of both compassion and authority within the priestly role.
The Distinction Between Jesus and Traditional Priests
The text outlines a crucial distinction between Jesus and the Levitical priesthood, emphasizing that while traditional priests were appointed based on lineage, Jesus is designated by God through an oath. This divine appointment asserts Jesus' legitimacy as a high priest in a manner that subverts the existing priesthood in Jerusalem, which was becoming increasingly perceived as illegitimate. By examining the nature of Jesus' appointment, the narrative challenges the authority of contemporary priests and underscores the uniqueness of Jesus' role as the local high priest. This context situates Jesus within the lineage of Melchizedek, further asserting the necessity of His unique priestly status.
The Call to Draw Near with Confidence
Hebrews encourages believers to draw near to the 'throne of grace' with confidence, affirming that through Jesus’ high priesthood, access to God is no longer fraught with danger but is a source of mercy and help. This concept represents a shift from the Old Testament's fear of approaching God—to approach God now comes with assurance of His acceptance. The pluralization of 'heavens' hints at multiple layers of access, indicating the profound nature of Jesus' role in bridging the gap between humanity and the divine. Believers are invited to come boldly, not as strangers, but as those who are welcomed and loved in God's presence.
Peter Leithart, Alastair Roberts, James Bejon and Fr. Mark Brians discuss Hebrews 4-5.
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