The title "Great High Priest" ascribed to Jesus Christ is a profound expression of His mediatorial role between God and humanity. This title is primarily expounded in the New Testament book of Hebrews, which presents Christ as the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament priesthood.

Biblical Foundation

The concept of the high priest originates in the Old Testament, where the high priest served as the chief religious leader among the Israelites. He was responsible for performing sacrifices, entering the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement, and interceding on behalf of the people. The high priesthood was established through Aaron, the brother of Moses, and was a central element of the Levitical priesthood.

In the New Testament, the Epistle to the Hebrews elaborates on how Jesus surpasses the Levitical priesthood. Hebrews 4:14-15 states, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin."

Superiority of Christ's Priesthood

The author of Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Christ's priesthood over the Aaronic priesthood. Unlike the Levitical priests who were subject to sin and death, Jesus is sinless and eternal. Hebrews 7:26-27 declares, "Such a high priest truly befits us—One who is holy, innocent, undefiled, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, He does not need to offer daily sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people; He sacrificed for sin once for all when He offered up Himself."

Christ's priesthood is also described as being in the order of Melchizedek, a mysterious and eternal priesthood that predates the Levitical system. Hebrews 5:10 states, "and was designated by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek."

Role as Mediator

As the Great High Priest, Jesus serves as the perfect mediator of the New Covenant. His sacrificial death and resurrection provide believers with direct access to God, eliminating the need for continual animal sacrifices. Hebrews 9:11-12 explains, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption."

Intercessory Role

Christ's role as the Great High Priest includes His ongoing intercession for believers. Hebrews 7:25 assures, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." This intercessory work underscores His compassion and understanding of human frailty, as He Himself experienced temptation and suffering.

Implications for Believers

The title "Great High Priest" assures believers of Christ's empathy and His ability to aid them in their spiritual journey. Hebrews 4:16 encourages, "Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need." This access to God's grace and mercy is a direct result of Christ's priestly ministry.

In summary, the title "Great High Priest" encapsulates the essence of Christ's redemptive work and His ongoing ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. Through His perfect sacrifice and eternal intercession, Jesus provides believers with a secure and unbroken relationship with God.Hebrews 4:14
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.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Title "Word" is to be Interpreted by the Same Method as the ...
... in the prophets a countless number of titles which are ... us, writing to the Hebrews,
that Christ is a ... our profession." And the prophets have other names for Him ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/23 the title word is.htm

That Worthy Name.
... Only Christ can give joy and comfort, peace and rest to ... think of some of the familiar
titles and names of that ... How these titles of our blessed Lord, what He is ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the lord of glory/that worthy name.htm

Christ's Exaltation
... Thus he is exalted in his titles of honour ... Our high priest has all the names and
wants of his people ... Though Christ be in glory, he knows how to pity and succour ...
//christianbookshelf.org/watson/a body of divinity/7 christs exaltation.htm

The Name Above Every Name
... The three names are names of the same Person, but they ... in combination with any other
of the titles it is ... therefore, the great message, 'It is Christ that died ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture the acts/the name above every name.htm

There are Various Figures in the Old Testament of the Wood of the ...
... obtained from Him their share in the names of kings ... Priest, and Angel, and such like
other titles which He ... commandments of God; even as our Christ, by being ...
/.../chapter lxxxvi there are various figures.htm

On the Clause, and in one Lord Jesus Christ, with a Reading from ...
... And He is called by two names, Jesus Christ; Jesus ... the inspired Prophet Moses conferred
these two titles on two ... For Christ is a High Priest like Aaron; since He ...
/.../cyril/lectures of s cyril of jerusalem/lecture x on the clause.htm

To John the Oeconomus.
... But this common use of titles gives no offence to ... the Church, however, constantly
used the names of the ... our profession." [2115] And again, "For Christ is not ...
/.../the ecclesiastical history of theodoret/cxlvi to john the oeconomus.htm

Annunciation to Joseph of the Birth of Jesus.
... Saviour." Would we could all bear our names, such as ... title; under the head of "name"
the titles of Jesus ... us; that of the church triumphant is Christ, us with ...
/.../mcgarvey/the four-fold gospel/ix annunciation to joseph of.htm

Amasiah
... pages for all who desire to set their names there, and ... we need not envy the proudest
whose titles and deeds ... Then shall every man have praise of Christ,' and he ...
//christianbookshelf.org/maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/amasiah.htm

Inviolable Messiahs and Prophets
... The Psalmist transfers to them the great titles which properly belong ... If Christ is
in you He will come out of ... live up to the level of the high names which we ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture j/inviolable messiahs and prophets.htm

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