Jesus the True and Better Priest

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and
in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son. Hebrews 1:1-2

Jesus is the True and Better Priest

Why do I need a priest at all?

A priest is a mediator.

(The priests) are a gift to you, given to the LORD, to do the service of the tent of
meeting. And you and your sons with you shall guard your priesthood for all that
concerns the altar and that is within the veil; and you shall serve. I give your
priesthood as a gift, and any outsider who comes near shall be put to death.
Numbers 18:6-7

The high priest would act God-ward on the people’s behalf.

Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to
represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for
Sins. Hebrews 5:1

(The priest) himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices
for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. Hebrews 5:2b-3

We have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven…
Hebrews 4:14

Jesus faces God-ward on your behalf forever.

Christ Jesus who died—more than that, who was raised to life—is at the right
hand of God and is also interceding for us. Romans 8:34

The priest understood the people’s struggles.

He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since
himself is subject to weakness.
Hebrews 5:2

He was despised and rejected by men, a man of sorrows and acquainted with
grief.
Isaiah 53:3

Jesus understands your struggles. He sees you.

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our
weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are
—yet he did not sin.
Hebrews 4:15

Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may
receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Hebrews 4:16

1. Examine what needs more of your focus.
2. When you pray: picture Jesus knowing exactly how you feel.
3. When you confess your sin, picture your advocate Jesus going before the Father on your behalf.

Jesus is the True and Better Priest