Hebrews 4:14-16

Hebrews 4:14-16

Thoughts from Brian Cook

Dive Deeper

Godfidence- Swipe
Slide

“Since then 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 is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”

Hebrews 4:14-16

Godfidence- Behind the Scenes
Slide

Today’s passage describes Jesus as our high priest. In ancient Israel, the priests served several roles. They were the governing authority, they offered sacrifices for the sins of the people, and only the high priest could enter into the most holy space–into the presence of God. In essence, the priests were intermediaries between God and His people, representing the people before God and making God’s laws and promises known to the people.

Slide

Throughout the book of Hebrews, the author draws comparisons between the old and new covenants. The old covenant is the way God’s people related to God before Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection. Under the new covenant, we are no longer held to the same obligations the Israelites were. Hebrews 10:12 tells us that Christ offered a single sacrifice for all sins for all time by dying on the cross.

Slide

When Christ died, the curtain that separated God’s people from the most holy space in the temple was torn. Christ, acting as our great high priest, made a way for us all to enter into the presence of God. Hebrews 10:19-20 describes this saying, “we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh…”

Godfidence- Make it Real
Slide

Although Christ has made a way for us to enjoy God’s presence, do you ever find yourself keeping your distance? The verse right before today’s passage might explain why: “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). We know we are sinful and fall short of God’s standard of righteousness. Sometimes, in our shame, we feel unable to face our holy God.

Slide

But right after this startling verse about being naked and exposed, we find today’s encouragement: we have a great high priest who has made a way for us, despite our shortcomings. And the comforting news doesn’t end there! Verse 15 tells us that Christ, our high priest, is able to sympathize with our weakness!

Slide

Do you feel your weaknesses disqualify you from enjoying a relationship with God? Do you feel you have to hide your weaknesses from Him and from others? Verse 16 tells us to do the exact opposite. Instead of hiding, we are instructed to “confidently draw near.” This confidence isn’t self-confidence; it is confidence in Christ. We can be confident that His sacrifice truly was sufficient for all sin for all time, even the sins we are most ashamed of.

Slide

The passage concludes by telling us that in God’s presence, at His throne of grace, we receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need. If you are waiting to sort out all your sin on your own before you approach God, you will be waiting forever. It is only in His presence we find the grace we need to help us in our need.

Slide

So draw near. Don’t wait. Find your confidence in Christ’s perfection, not your own, and receive the mercy and grace you have been desperate for, but too ashamed to receive.

Godfidence- End in Prayer
Slide

Father, thank You for making a way, through Christ, for me to draw near to Your throne. Thank You for the gift of Your presence, and for the mercy and grace I find there. I confess my imperfection and weakness, and I declare Christ’s sufficiency! Through Your power and for Your glory, Lord, amen.

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“Since then 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 is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” 

Hebrews 4:14-16

Behind the Scenes

Today’s passage describes Jesus as our high priest. In ancient Israel, the priests served several roles. They were the governing authority, they offered sacrifices for the sins of the people, and only the high priest could enter into the most holy space–into the presence of God. In essence, the priests were intermediaries between God and His people, representing the people before God and making God’s laws and promises known to the people. 

Throughout the book of Hebrews, the author draws comparisons between the old and new covenants. The old covenant is the way God’s people related to God before Christ’s birth, death, and resurrection. Under the new covenant, we are no longer held to the same obligations the Israelites were. Hebrews 10:12 tells us that Christ offered a single sacrifice for all sins for all time by dying on the cross.  

When Christ died, the curtain that separated God’s people from the most holy space in the temple was torn. Christ, acting as our great high priest, made a way for us all to enter into the presence of God. Hebrews 10:19-20 describes this saying, “we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh…” 

Make it Real

Although Christ has made a way for us to enjoy God’s presence, do you ever find yourself keeping your distance? The verse right before today’s passage might explain why: “And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account” (Hebrews 4:13). We know we are sinful and fall short of God’s standard of righteousness. Sometimes, in our shame, we feel unable to face our holy God.  

But right after this startling verse about being naked and exposed, we find today’s encouragement: we have a great high priest who has made a way for us, despite our shortcomings. And the comforting news doesn’t end there! Verse 15 tells us that Christ, our high priest, is able to sympathize with our weakness!  

Do you feel your weaknesses disqualify you from enjoying a relationship with God? Do you feel you have to hide your weaknesses from Him and from others? Verse 16 tells us to do the exact opposite. Instead of hiding, we are instructed to “confidently draw near.” This confidence isn’t self-confidence; it is confidence in Christ. We can be confident that His sacrifice truly was sufficient for all sin for all time, even the sins we are most ashamed of.  

The passage concludes by telling us that in God’s presence, at His throne of grace, we receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need. If you are waiting to sort out all your sin on your own before you approach God, you will be waiting forever. It is only in His presence we find the grace we need to help us in our need.  

So draw near. Don’t wait. Find your confidence in Christ’s perfection, not your own, and receive the mercy and grace you have been desperate for, but too ashamed to receive.  

Hailey Schroeder

Hailey Schroeder

ACF Devo Team

End in Prayer

Father, thank You for making a way, through Christ, for me to draw near to Your throne. Thank You for the gift of Your presence, and for the mercy and grace I find there. I confess my imperfection and weakness, and I declare Christ’s sufficiency! Through Your power and for Your glory, Lord, amen. 

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