1. The first section (1:1-4:13) emphasizes "the superiority of Christ as God's spokesman." 2. We have observed that: a. Christ is God's spokesman today b. Christ is superior to the other spokesmen whom God has used c. Christians must remain faithful to Christ in order to spend eternity with Him. 3. In addition to being God's spokesman, Christ serves as the High Priest of His followers. a. As God's spokesman, Christ instructs His followers. b. As High Priest, Christ helps His followers. 4. The second section (4:14-ch.10) emphasizes "the superiority of Christ as High Priest." 5. Earlier, Christ was referred to as "a merciful and faithful High Priest" (2:17) and "the Apostle and High Priest of our profession" (3:1). 6. (4:14-5:10) Christ is shown to be a great High Priest. Discussion: I. (4:14-16) JESUS IS IDENTIFIED AS THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST OF HIS FOLLOWERS
A. (vs.14) Christians have a great High Priest, "Jesus the Son of God." B. Jesus is shown to be a great High Priest because He: 1. is passed into the heavens (vs.14) 2. was tempted without sin and is therefore able to empathize with His followers (vs.15; 2:18). C. Because Jesus is such a great High Priest, Christians are encouraged to: 1. hold fast their profession (vs.14; 3:6, 14) 2. approach the throne of grace boldly (vs.16; 1 John 5:14-15). II. (5:1-10) JESUS IS COMPARED TO THE JEWISH HIGH PRIEST
A. (vs.1-4) The Jewish high priest: 1. offered gifts and sacrifices for sins (vs.1) 2. had compassion on others because of his infirmities (vs.2) 3. offered sacrifices for his own sins and the sins of the people (vs.3) 4. was called of God (vs.4). B. (vs.5-10) By comparison, Christ: 1. was called by His Father (vs.5) 2. was made a High Priest after the order of Melchisedec (vs.6, 10; Psalm 110:4) 3. offered Himself for the sins of the world and was made perfect in every way (vs.7-9a) 4. offers eternal salvation to all who obey Him (vs.9b).
