Jesus Is the Great High Priest

14We have a great high priest. He has gone up into the heavens. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us hold firmly to what we say we believe.

15We have a high priest who can feel it when we are weak and hurting. We have a high priest who has been tempted in every way, just as we are. But he did not sin. 16So let us boldly approach the throne of grace. Then we will receive mercy. We will find grace to help us when we need it.

5 Every high priest is chosen from among men. He is appointed to act for them in everything that has to do with God. He offers gifts and sacrifices for their sins. 2He is able to deal gently with those who have gone down the wrong path without knowing it. He can do that because he himself is weak. 3That’s why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins. He must also do it for the sins of the people.

4No one can take that honor for himself. He must be appointed by God, just as Aaron was.

5Even Christ did not take the glory of becoming a high priest for himself. God said to him,

“You are my Son.

Today I have become your Father.” (Psalm 2:7)

6In another place he said,

“You are a priest forever,

just like Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4)

7Jesus prayed while he lived on earth. He made his appeal with loud cries and tears. He prayed to the One who could save him from death. God heard him because he truly honored God.

8Jesus was God’s Son. But by suffering he learned what it means to obey. 9In that way he was made perfect. Eternal salvation comes from him. He saves all those who obey him.