Paul uses Christ’s position as the Christian’s High Priest to encourage faithfulness to God. The points are these:
Jesus has passed through the heavens. This references His leaving the earth to return to God’s right hand, receiving His exaltation. He is the Son of God. (This declaration is another indicating His divine nature, as it makes Him equal to His Father). See John 5:18.
His efficacy as High Priest comes not only because of His deity, but also because of His humanity. As a man he was tempted as we are, so He can sympathize with us as we pray. We note that Jesus did not sin, but that does not indicate anything other than his strength and righteousness. He was a man with the same physical frailties and desires as our own. Temptations were suffered by Him, (cf. Matthew 4:1-11) and yet He did not sin.
These truths are why we may be confident of Jesus as our mediator. This is why the Hebrew writer called upon his readers to “come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace in time of need” (16). Praise God for sending His Son to earth for us!
