Jesus Our Great High Priest: Approach the Throne of Grace

May 10, 2026

Devotional

Day 1: Through the Torn Veil of Heaven

Jesus tore through the temple curtain of flesh and stars. The Son of God didn’t stop at the bronze altar or earthly holy places—He ascended past constellations into the Father’s immediate presence. His scarred hands now rest on heaven’s mercy seat, alive to intercede. No earthly priest could breach that final veil. Only the resurrected God-man carries our cries into the throne room. [45:40]

This changes how we pray. Ancient Jews trembled as smoke filled the temple. But our High Priest invites us to stride past old barriers. His flesh became the torn curtain—His blood our eternal access.

When shame whispers you’re too dirty to approach, remember: Jesus didn’t climb Sinai’s thunderous peak. He descended into your weariness. What lie about God’s distance do you need to renounce today?

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.”
(Hebrews 4:14-16, CSB)

Prayer: Thank Jesus aloud for demolishing every barrier between you and the Father.
Challenge: Write Hebrews 4:14-16 on your mirror or phone lock screen.

Day 2: Scars That Speak for Us

The resurrected Christ still bears nail marks. At the throne, He lifts wounded hands—not to plead for wrath, but to display the price paid. His scars testify: “This one is mine.” When Satan accuses you of failure, Jesus answers with five-word eloquence: “I died for that too.” [54:45]

Earthly priests offered bulls’ blood. Jesus offered His pulse, sweat, and tears. His perfect obedience—tested in hunger, grief, and betrayal—qualifies Him to represent you.

You’ve hidden that addiction, that secret anger. But your High Priest knows the weight of temptation. What if you brought that struggle into His scarred presence today?

“During His earthly life, He offered prayers and appeals with loud cries and tears to the One who was able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverence.”
(Hebrews 5:7, CSB)

Prayer: Confess one specific struggle, asking Jesus to intercede with His perfect obedience.
Challenge: Identify a recurring temptation and text a believer to pray for you today.

Day 3: Milk-Stained Holiness

Jesus drank from Mary’s breast. He skinned knees in Nazareth’s dust. The Eternal Word learned obedience through scraped elbows and splintered wood. His priesthood isn’t theoretical—He knows the ache of weaning, the sting of betrayal, the weight of a parent’s coffin. [49:34]

God became touchable. When you weep over a wayward child, He remembers holding John at the Last Supper. When work exhausts you, He recalls calloused hands in Joseph’s shop.

Your High Priest isn’t repelled by messy humanity. What raw emotion—anger, grief, fear—have you been hiding from His understanding heart?

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.”
(Hebrews 4:15, CSB)

Prayer: Describe your hardest emotion to Jesus as if telling a friend.
Challenge: Place a chair in your room—approach it physically when praying today.

Day 4: The Throne That Welcomes Runaways

A child sprints to Dad’s office, not a judge’s bench. The door reads “Principal,” but inside sits a father reaching for his wallet, not a gavel. Jesus reframed divine authority: His throne runs with mercy, not condemnation. The only requirement? Come. [01:00:21]

Many avoid prayer, fearing rebuke. But grace means God leans forward, not back. Your stumbles don’t surprise Him—they’re why He came.

When did you last approach prayer like a child barging into Dad’s work? What practical need have you hesitated to bring Him?

“Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.”
(Hebrews 4:16, CSB)

Prayer: Ask God for something tangible you’ve deemed “too small” for prayer.
Challenge: Set a 3:16pm alarm—pause to ask for daily grace.

Day 5: Lois’ Faith in Timothy’s Bones

Timothy’s faith didn’t begin with Paul. It traveled through grandmother Lois’ prayers and mother Eunice’s lullabies. Family dedications plant seeds—but daily discipleship waters them. Every “Why, Mommy?” about Jesus, every bedtime Bible story, becomes kindling for the Spirit’s fire. [17:20]

Your spiritual legacy outlives you. Hannah’s desperate prayer birthed Samuel. Mary’s pondering heart shaped the Messiah.

What faith marker will your children/grandchildren remember? When did someone’s persistent prayers change your story?

“I recall your sincere faith, which first lived in your grandmother Lois and in your mother Eunice and now, I am convinced, is in you also.”
(2 Timothy 1:5, CSB)

Prayer: Name one child/youth in your life—ask God to awaken faith in them.
Challenge: Share a 2-minute story of God’s faithfulness with a child this week.

Sermon Summary

We celebrate Mother’s Day and dedicate families, acknowledging children as gifts of God and committing households to raise them in Christ. We remember Hannah and the heritage of faith passed from grandparents and parents, and we pledge to seek God’s wisdom in parenting, to teach Scripture, to pray specifically for our children, and to lean on the community of faith for encouragement and accountability. We turn to Hebrews 4 and 5 and find the central truth that Jesus stands as our great high priest, superior to every human priest, prophet, and king. The old priesthood identified with the people, offered imperfect sacrifices, and entered a tabernacle made with hands; those functions pointed forward to a greater reality fulfilled in Christ.

Jesus assumes a unique priesthood according to the order of Melchizedek. He did not take the office upon himself but was declared by God to be Son and priest forever. He lived a true human life, experienced hunger, sorrow, trial, and temptation, yet remained without sin; those trials perfected him and validated his priestly ministry. Having passed through the heavens, he now ministers from the very throne room of God, interceding continually for those who come to God through him. That ongoing intercession means his priesthood is permanent, effective, and available to us in every urgent need.

Because of Christ’s person, position, and ministry, we may approach the throne of grace with boldness. Boldness does not mean flippancy; it means confident drawing near to receive mercy and find timely help. The throne is offered as grace, not as a primary place of judgment, and mercy meets our failures while grace supplies strength for the present struggle. Our practical response becomes clear: hold fast to the confession of our hope, draw near to Jesus daily, depend on his intercession, and refuse to waver when trials press in. The gospel summons immediate response; repentance and trust in Christ open the door to belonging to the faithful Savior who prays for us, preserves us, and equips us for faithful living within his covenant community.

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus our superior high priest Jesus fulfills and surpasses the Old Testament priesthood by being both Son of God and priest according to Melchizedek, replacing the need for repeated animal sacrifices. His priesthood rests on a divine appointment and an accomplished atonement that permanently reconciles us to God. We must anchor our worship and hope in his singular, unrepeatable work for sinners. [38:40]
2. Jesus fully understands our temptation Christ became truly human and faced every form of temptation without yielding, so he knows the force of our struggles in ways mere acquiescence cannot. That knowledge means his sympathy arises from victory, not ignorance, and his compassion carries the authority of one who overcame. We can bring our rawest battles to him because he endured and prevailed. [50:58]
3. Approach the throne with boldness The throne we approach is a throne of grace where mercy and timely help are available, not a space of distant judgment. Boldness flows from the finished work of Christ, from his ongoing intercession, and from cleansed consciences through his blood. We should run to that throne in crises and weariness, confident that grace will meet need and strengthen for obedience. [55:43]
4. Hold fast to our confession Cling tightly to the truths we confess; perseverance anchors faith under pressure and resists the devil’s aim to make us waver. Steadfast confession shapes our identity and shapes communal encouragement, calling us to live out hope with sober vigilance and humble dependence on God’s promises. Holding fast becomes both a duty and a sanctifying refuge in trials. [63:32]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[14:36] - Mother's Day and Dedications
[16:51] - Meaning of Family Dedication
[19:40] - Prayer for Families
[27:08] - Reading Hebrews 4:14
[33:46] - The Old Testament High Priest
[38:40] - Christ as Superior High Priest
[44:37] - Jesus Passed Through the Heavens
[50:58] - Jesus' Humanity and Temptation
[55:43] - Approach the Throne of Grace
[63:13] - Hold Fast to Our Confession
[77:42] - Invitation and Resource Gift
[81:58] - Benediction and Dismissal

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading
Hebrews 4:14–5:10 (ESV)
14 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. 15 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. 16 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. 5:1 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; 6 as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” 7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 4:15-16, what two specific reasons are given for why we can approach God’s throne with confidence?
The sermon emphasized that Jesus’ priesthood is “according to the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 5:6). How does this differ from the Old Testament priesthood tied to Aaron? [38:40]
What does Hebrews 5:7-8 reveal about Jesus’ humanity and how it relates to his role as high priest?

Interpretation Questions

Why is it significant that Jesus’ priesthood is permanent and not temporary like the Levitical priests (Hebrews 5:6, 10)? How does this affect our assurance in prayer?
Hebrews 4:15 says Jesus was “tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin.” How does His sinless victory over temptation deepen His ability to sympathize with us? [50:58]
The sermon described the throne of grace as a place of “mercy for failures and grace for present struggles.” How do mercy and grace work together in our daily walk with God? [55:43]

Application Questions

The passage urges us to “hold fast to our confession” (Hebrews 4:14). What practical step can you take this week to “hold fast” to your faith during a specific challenge you’re facing?
When have you hesitated to approach God boldly because of shame or fear? How can Jesus’ role as a sympathetic high priest change the way you pray this week? [55:43]
The sermon mentioned that Jesus’ prayers for us never stop (Hebrews 7:25). How might this truth encourage you when you feel spiritually weak or isolated?
In what area of your life do you most need “mercy for failure” or “grace for strength” right now? How will you intentionally bring this to the throne of grace?
The sermon challenged believers to support one another in “holding fast” to hope. Who in your life needs encouragement to persevere, and how can you tangibly help them this week? [01:03:32]
Hebrews 5:8 says Jesus “learned obedience through what he suffered.” How can your current trials become opportunities to grow in obedience and dependence on Christ?

Sermon Clips

41s

#HighPriestInHeaven

“Jesus went through the veil, not the holy of holies, the veil separating the holy place from the holy of holies, but Jesus went through another veil. He went through the heavens. He is not in a tabernacle made with hands. Jesus entered into heaven for us. He made atonement for us. He satisfied a holy god for us, and he is seated and his work is done for us, and he intercedes for us in the very presence of holy god.”

38s

#ThroneOfGrace

“It's not the throne of wrath. It's the throne of grace. That's what God has for you. You have a great high priest, and he can meet the deepest needs of your life. Run to him. He's for you. He's not against you. If God be for us, who can be against us? Amen? It's the throne of grace. Why is it the throne of grace? Because Jesus paid it all.”

33s

#JesusAlwaysPrays

“Did you know there's never a day that Jesus isn't praying for you? Exactly. In Hebrews chapter seven and verse 25, Therefore, he's able to save completely those who come to god through him since he always, always lives to intercede for them. Jesus always lives to intercede for you.”

29s

#ApproachWithBoldness

“He knows what it's like to be a man. He knows what it's like that we go through. He understands the weight. He identifies with you. Not only is he identifying with you and sympathetic toward you, but he's helpful to you. That's indeed what he is. He he he comes to help you. He he he helps you because he's approachable. Notice in verse number 16, he says, therefore, let us approach the throne of god grace with boldness.”

42s

#SympatheticSavior

“The trials and temptations that Jesus really felt in the end prove that he was the pure son of God. No sin in him. Hallelujah. What a savior. He is sympathetic toward us. This is how he's different. He feels. He feels with us. He feels for you. We have one who's sympathetic in all that we go through, And that's what it says in verse number 15, for we do not have a high priest who's unable to sympathize.”

26s

#JesusNeverTires

“Let me tell you, Moses' arms got fatigued because he was just a man. Let me tell you about this one seated in heaven whose arms never fatigue, and that's Jesus Christ, the son of God, and he lives to make intercession for us. Hallelujah. What a savior. What a king. What a priest.”

30s

#SonOfGodSavior

“He's superior in his person. He is Jesus. His name is Jesus, meaning Jehovah is salvation, and he's called the son of God. He is the great high priest not because he's son of man, indeed he is son of man, not because he's the son of Adam, not because he's the son of David, not because he's the son of Abraham, because he is the son of God. It eclipses all other names.”

28s

#StrengthThroughResistance

“After all, you find out the strength of the German army by fighting against it, not by giving in. You find out the strength of a wind by trying to walk against it, not by lying down. A man who gives in to temptation after five minutes simply does not know what it would be like an hour later. That's why bad people, in one sense, know very little about badness.”

51s

“He is sympathetic toward us. This is how he's different. He feels. He feels with us. He feels for you. We have one who's sympathetic in all that we go through, And that's what it says in verse number 15, for we do not have a high priest who's unable to sympathize but have been tempted in every way. Jesus feels with you. He cares for you. He's not detached. He knows what it's like to be a man. He knows what it's like that we go through. He understands the weight. He identifies with you. Not only is he identifying with you and sympathetic toward you, but he's helpful to you. That's indeed what he is. He he he comes to help you. He he he helps you because he's approachable.”

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