OUR GREAT HIGH PRIEST
Kathryn Devers
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.” Heb. 4:14. The adjective “great” describes Him “most eminent or prominent i.e. distinguished as above others.” A comparison is made with Melchizedek and contrast with Aaron in chapter 7. In this office, He ministers as “the good and great Shepherd.”
John 10:11, Jesus said, “I am the good Shepherd: the good Shepherd giveth his life for the sheep.” Psa. 22 describes Him as the suffering Savior, who fulfills this office. “Wherefore in all things it behooved him to be made like unto his brethren, that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people” – Heb. 2:17.
Through His condescension, “The grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men” – Tit. 2:11. He was the offering and offerer, which made Him distinct. “Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself.” “But now once, in the end of the ages, hath he appeared to put away (completely destroy) sin by the sacrifice of himself” – Heb. 7:27 & 9:26. “Mercy there was great and grace was free, at Calvary.” Who but He could have shown such great compassion toward helpless, hopeless, miserable sinners and deliver from the guilt, power and one day the presence of sin. The price of redemption was far beyond any human figure, for it was “with the precious (valuable) blood of Christ, as of a lamb without blemish and without spot.”
His work fulfilled Old Testament prophecies, and fully satisfied the righteous demands of a holy God for judgment on sin at the cross. Praise God, death could not hold Him! He arose a mighty conqueror, the “great Shepherd.” “Now the God of peace, that brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great shepherd of the sheep, through the blood of the everlasting covenant…We have such an high priest, who is seated on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens – Heb. 13:20 & 8:1.
Psa. 23 is a personal aspect of Him, as “great Shepherd.” He shows His concern for each sheep of His pasture. To claim Him personally, there is no lack for spirit, soul or body. He gives rest, for “He hath raised us up together, and made us sit together in the heavenlies in Christ Jesus.” This is resurrection ground. “There is a rest unto the people of God.” Two-fold, “beside still waters,” a place of meditation upon His word, essential for spiritual growth, and “in paths of righteousness for his name’s sake.”
We are His representatives, and our conduct should reflect His righteousness in purity of life, right attitudes, actions, feeling, and thoughts which will glorify Him. In V. 4 of Psa. 23, an unquestionable confidence is expressed. He’s a wonderful Shepherd! He draws us close to His bosom, comforts and direct during times of trial. Such wondrous love!
“He’s touched with the feeling of our infirmities.” As was said of Israel, “In all their afflictions he was afflicted,” He is the same yesterday, today, and forever, thus our cares, problems and all that pertains to life is His concern. We are bid to “come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” – Heb. 4:16.
It affords great peace and rest to know ONE, who cares and understands every detail of our lives, and is able to help. “In quietness and confidence shall be your strength.” Truly He is a “Great High Priest” and is worthy of our trust. “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the LORD forever.” Praise Him!
