Jesus: Our Eternal High Priest and King

Summary

Today’s passage from Hebrews 5 draws us into the profound reality that Jesus is both our King and our High Priest—a truth that bridges heaven and earth and transforms how we relate to God. The early Christians, to whom Hebrews was written, faced real persecution and the temptation to downplay their faith. The letter’s context reminds us that faithfulness often comes at a cost, and that the call to follow Christ is not always easy, but it is always worth it.

The role of the priest in the Old Testament was to represent the people before God, offering sacrifices for sin—first for themselves, then for the people. This was a sacred calling, not a career, and it required both compassion and discipline. The priest was to deal gently with the ignorant and the wayward, understanding their struggles because he too was beset with weakness. This balance is much like the love of a parent, who must hold together both compassion and discipline for the good of their children.

Yet, the sacrificial system pointed forward to something greater. Sin separates us from God, and the price for sin is high. But through the finished work of Christ, the need for continual sacrifices has ended. Jesus, called and appointed by God, became the perfect sacrifice—sinless, yet able to sympathize with our weaknesses because He suffered as we do. His prayers, tears, and obedience—even unto death—secured eternal redemption for all who trust in Him.

Pastors today, like priests of old, are called by God to shepherd His people, not as intermediaries but as those who walk alongside, sharing in the burdens and joys of the flock. Their calling is not a career choice but a response to God’s summons, and they are accountable not to the congregation, but to God Himself for the souls in their care.

Ultimately, Jesus stands alone as the eternal High Priest, after the order of Melchizedek—both King and Priest, able to bridge the gap between heaven and earth. Through Him, we are called into fellowship with God, to make sense of the gospel to the world and to bring the world’s needs before the throne of grace. The cost of sin is real, but the grace of Christ is greater still. All are invited to draw near, to find mercy, and to rest in the assurance that Jesus will hold us fast.

Key Takeaways

- The calling to serve—whether as priest, pastor, or believer—is not a matter of personal ambition or career, but a response to God’s initiative. True spiritual leadership is marked by humility, a sense of divine appointment, and a willingness to bear the burdens of others, knowing that accountability is ultimately to God, not to people. [49:59]

- The Old Testament priesthood, with its sacrifices and rituals, was a shadow pointing to the ultimate sacrifice of Christ. The seriousness of sin and the costliness of forgiveness should never be trivialized; “cheap grace” is grace without repentance or transformation. The cross reminds us that forgiveness is free to us, but it cost God everything. [47:18]

- Jesus, as our High Priest, is uniquely qualified to represent us before God because He is both fully divine and fully human. He knows our weaknesses, has experienced our suffering, and yet remained without sin. His prayers and tears reveal a Savior who is not distant, but deeply compassionate and present in our struggles. [57:08]

- The role of pastors and spiritual leaders is to reflect Christ’s heart to the church—balancing compassion and discipline, sharing in the joys and sorrows of the flock, and pointing always to Jesus as the true Shepherd. Their calling is to equip the saints, not to stand between God and His people, but to walk with them toward deeper fellowship with Christ. [52:15]

- Every believer is called into a living fellowship with God through Jesus Christ. Our calling is to make the gospel clear to the world and to bring the world’s needs before God in prayer. The invitation is open: draw near to the throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Jesus, our eternal High Priest, has secured our redemption and holds us fast. [59:30]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:10] - Family and Worship Reflections
[02:45] - Returning to Hebrews: Context and Overview
[06:30] - Historical Background of Hebrews
[10:15] - Review of Hebrews Chapters 1-4
[15:00] - The Role and Calling of Priests
[20:40] - Sacrifices, Sin, and the Cost of Forgiveness
[25:30] - Compassion and Discipline: Lessons from Parenting
[31:22] - The Importance of God’s Word
[33:00] - The Ongoing Struggle with Sin
[44:24] - Cheap Grace vs. Costly Grace
[48:43] - Pastors and Priests: Calling and Accountability
[52:15] - Bearing Burdens and Pastoral Compassion
[57:08] - Jesus: Our High Priest and King
[59:30] - Our Calling and Invitation to Draw Near
[01:01:00] - Closing Prayer and Invitation

Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: Hebrews 5 – Jesus, Our King and High Priest

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### Bible Reading

- Hebrews 5:1-10
(The main text of the sermon, focusing on Jesus as our High Priest and the calling of priests.)

- Hebrews 4:14-16
(“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…”)

- Leviticus 16:1-10
(Background on the Old Testament priesthood and the Day of Atonement, referenced in the sermon.)

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### Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 5:1-4, what were the main responsibilities and qualifications of a high priest in the Old Testament?
2. In Hebrews 5:7, what do we learn about Jesus’ prayers and emotions during His earthly life?
3. The sermon mentioned that priests were called by God, not self-appointed. What examples from history or the Old Testament were given to show what happens when this calling is ignored? [[20:40]]
4. What does Hebrews 4:15 say about Jesus’ ability to sympathize with our weaknesses?

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### Interpretation Questions

1. The sermon compared the role of a priest to that of a parent, balancing compassion and discipline. Why is this balance important in spiritual leadership? [[25:30]]
2. The idea of “cheap grace” was discussed—grace without repentance or transformation. Why is it dangerous to forget the cost of forgiveness? [[47:18]]
3. Jesus is described as both King and High Priest, “after the order of Melchizedek.” What does it mean for Jesus to hold both roles, and how does this impact our relationship with God? [[57:08]]
4. The sermon said that pastors and spiritual leaders are accountable to God, not just to people. How might this accountability shape the way leaders serve? [[49:59]]

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### Application Questions

1. The sermon emphasized that serving God—whether as a pastor, priest, or believer—is a calling, not a career. Have you ever sensed God calling you to serve in a specific way? How did you respond? [[49:59]]
2. The Old Testament sacrificial system highlighted the seriousness of sin. In your daily life, do you tend to minimize or ignore the cost of sin? What would it look like to take sin and forgiveness more seriously? [[47:18]]
3. Jesus, our High Priest, is able to sympathize with our weaknesses because He suffered as we do. When was the last time you brought your struggles honestly to Jesus in prayer? What happened? [[57:08]]
4. The sermon described pastors and leaders as those who “walk alongside” the people, sharing in their burdens and joys. Who in your life needs you to walk alongside them right now? How can you practically support them this week? [[52:15]]
5. Every believer is called to make the gospel clear to the world and to bring the world’s needs before God in prayer. Is there someone or something you feel burdened to pray for right now? How can your group support you in this? [[59:30]]
6. The sermon warned against “cheap grace.” Are there areas in your life where you have accepted forgiveness without true repentance or change? What step could you take this week toward real transformation? [[47:18]]
7. The invitation is open to “draw near to the throne of grace with confidence.” What is holding you back from drawing near to God? What would it look like for you to approach Him boldly this week? [[59:30]]

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Closing Prayer Suggestion:
Thank God for Jesus, our High Priest and King, who knows our struggles and has paid the price for our forgiveness. Ask for courage to respond to His calling, to take sin seriously, and to draw near to Him with confidence. Pray for one another’s burdens and for opportunities to make the gospel clear in your lives.

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus, Our Perfect High Priest and King
Jesus is both our eternal High Priest and King, uniquely qualified to represent us before God and to rule with compassion and authority. He was appointed by God, not by human decision, and through His suffering and obedience, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. Jesus understands our weaknesses because He experienced temptation and suffering just as we do, yet without sin. His prayers, offered with loud cries and tears, show His deep identification with our struggles and His complete submission to the Father’s will. Because of this, we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, knowing that Jesus intercedes for us as our advocate and has secured our redemption forever. [57:08]

Hebrews 5:5-10 (ESV)
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”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” 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. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Reflection: When you consider that Jesus is both your King and your High Priest, how does this change the way you approach Him in prayer and in your daily struggles?

Day 2: The Calling and Responsibility of Spiritual Leaders
Spiritual leaders—whether priests in the Old Testament or pastors today—are called by God, not chosen by human ambition or political influence. Their primary responsibility is to represent people before God, offering prayers and guidance, and to deal gently with those who are struggling, because they themselves know weakness. This calling is not a career but a divine appointment, requiring compassion, humility, and accountability before God for the souls entrusted to their care. The weight of this responsibility is sobering, as leaders will give an account to God for how they shepherd His people, and their ministry is to be marked by both compassion and discipline, reflecting the heart of Christ. [55:10]

Hebrews 5:1-4 (ESV)
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. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

Reflection: Who is a spiritual leader in your life that you can encourage or pray for today, recognizing the weight of their calling and responsibility?

Day 3: The Cost and Consequence of Sin
Sin always separates us from God and carries a real cost—a price that must be paid for forgiveness. In the Old Testament, sacrifices were required to atone for sin, but now, because of Jesus’ finished work on the cross, no further sacrifice is needed. Yet, it is easy to forget the seriousness of sin and the immense price Jesus paid with His own blood. Cheap grace—grace without repentance, discipleship, or the cross—diminishes the true cost of our forgiveness. Remembering the gravity of sin and the depth of Christ’s sacrifice should lead us to genuine repentance and gratitude, never taking His grace for granted. [47:18]

Romans 6:23 (ESV)
For the wages of sin is death, but the free gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord.

Reflection: Is there a sin in your life that you have been treating lightly? What would it look like to “nip it in the bud” and bring it honestly before God today?

Day 4: The Call to Deeper Fellowship and Community
Every believer is called into a closer fellowship with God and a deeper connection with the body of Christ. The Christian life is not just about attending church, but about being part of a community that encourages, strengthens, and supports one another in faith. We are called to make sense of the gospel to the world and to help the church understand the world around us. This calling is for all, not just pastors or leaders, and it is rooted in God’s faithfulness and His desire for us to walk in relationship with Him and with each other. [41:00]

1 Corinthians 1:9 (ESV)
God is faithful, by whom you were called into the fellowship of his Son, Jesus Christ our Lord.

Reflection: What is one step you can take this week to move from simply attending church to truly participating in the fellowship and mission of your church community?

Day 5: Responding to Jesus’ Sacrifice with Commitment
Just as the woman who anointed Jesus with costly oil gave her future to Him, we are invited to respond to Christ’s sacrifice by committing our time, talents, and lives to His service. Those who serve in ministry often give up other pursuits to follow God’s call, but every believer is called to offer themselves as a living sacrifice, dedicating their gifts and future to the Lord. This act of commitment is not just for pastors or leaders, but for all who have been redeemed by Christ, as a response of love and gratitude for all He has done. [55:47]

Romans 12:1 (ESV)
I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship.

Reflection: What is one area of your life—your time, talent, or future—that you sense God is asking you to commit more fully to Him today?

Quotes

The first thing we want to keep in mind is that the early Christians that the letter was written to were facing some real significant potential for some persecution because of their faith in Jesus. And that's...was a big possibility because of that possibility they began to downplay their identification with Christ. [00:33:42]

In chapter two we're assured that the paradise that we lost because of sin has been recovered because of Christ and Christ's finished work on the cross. This truth is anchored in verse two: for it was fitting that Jesus Christ, for whom and by whom all things existed, in bringing many sons to glory, should make the founder of their salvation perfect through suffering. [00:35:17]

Chapter three reminds us of the key purpose of the church: to encourage and strengthen us in our walk with the Lord. In the chapter three we read, but exhort everybody, everyone as long as it's called today, that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we, if we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end. So stand firm to the end. [00:35:40]

For the word of God is living inactive, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of the soul and spirit, the joints in the marrow, discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. [00:36:11]

If you were to ask a pastor or a teacher right what, when you prepare a message, what are you hoping for, what are you looking to do? Well, it would probably come across as two things: one, that no one would leave this place unchanged. That's the very first thing that you hope will happen, that the word of God would be as impactful to you as it was to them as they were preparing it. [00:36:37]

There's a world of difference between attending church and being a member of a church. And so I asked him, I said, well now tell me, so what are you looking for when you're looking for a church, what are you looking for? Mass is really amazing. He said, I just want a church that will play witness to my life. I don't want to go to church, I want to be a part of church. [00:37:18]

What we try to do when we're putting together something is to compel those who are listening to don't let it stop here but to give you thoughts and ideas that you can go and dig deeper. Go look more. Taste and see the Lord is good and that's our message today. [00:38:12]

Priests were obligated to offer sacrifices to God, sacrifices first for their own sins and then sacrifice for the sins of the people. And this is spelled out back in Leviticus when Moses said to Aaron, draw near to the altar, offer your sin offering and your burnt offering, make atonement for yourself and for the people and bring the all the offering of the people and make atonement for them as the Lord commanded. [00:41:00]

In offering sacrifices to God for the people, priests were given the responsibility to represent man and women in matters related to God. No small responsibility to be sure. So great was that responsibility that if it were done improperly or without reverence there was a great price to be paid. [00:41:27]

A qualification where priest was the ability to relate to the struggles of people. Priests needed to be able to deal gently with God's people, those who were unaware or who are still weren't learning and those who might be struggling or falling away. How was the priest able to do this? Because they themselves struggled with the same weakness. [00:42:02]

Sometimes I think that because we don't do the sacrifices like they did in the old days, we forget the impact of sin. We forget how sin separates us from God, and we also forget that there's a price to be paid for sin. That price was paid by God by giving his only son, that through his blood, we could have our relationship restored. [00:47:34]

Cheap grace is the grace we give ourselves. Cheap grace is preaching of forgiveness without requiring repentance, or baptizing without church discipline, or communion without confession. Cheap grace is grace without discipleship, grace without the cross, grace without Jesus Christ, living and incarnate. And that's powerful. [00:48:18]

With Christ, we now have an advocate with the Father. We don't need someone to be an intercessor for us anymore. Jesus does that. [00:49:01]

To be clear, being a pastor is a calling. We see this in Ephesians 4. When Paul writes, he gave some apostles, the prophets, the evangelists, the shepherds, the pastors and teachers to equip the saints for the work of ministry, for the building up of the body of Christ. [00:51:13]

If the cross is the pulpit from which God preached his love to the world, then the pastor is the canvas upon which God writes his love letter to the local church. [00:53:21]

Church leaders, and here I believe the scripture is talking about pastors and elders, are accountable to God for the souls under their care. Church leaders are not accountable to church members. They are accountable to God, and they are accountable for the souls in their charge. [00:54:59]

Those who've entered the ministry full-time have committed their time and their talent to the Lord. They could have readily taken those skills into the business world and parlayed a remarkable career, but they've chosen to commit their time and their energy just as that woman committed her future to the Lord. So have these folks. Here again, that is a remarkable thing. [00:56:31]

Jesus is able to sympathize with our weaknesses because in every respect he was tempted as we are and yet he did not sin. So this reason he has become the perfect sacrifice. He became sin who knew no sin so that in him we might become the righteousness of God. [00:59:46]

Through Christ's suffering and through his obedience he became the perfect sacrifice for our sins and secured our eternal salvation. Isaiah really captures this beautifully: he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities, upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and by his wounds we are healed. [01:00:58]

Jesus is both a high priest concerning the affairs of heaven and a king concerning the prayers, the affairs of earth. [01:03:28]

The central theme of the gospel and the new testament is that God is faithful and he has called us into a fellowship through his son Jesus Christ. [01:04:14]

Let us never ever forget there is both a consequence and a cost associated with sin. The consequence is that sin will distance us from God and the cost of sin, the price for forgiveness, is the shedding of blood. The good news is that Jesus Christ has paid the price of our sin. [01:04:36]

We who were once distant, far from God because of our sin, have been brought back into relationship with the father by the sacrifice of Jesus Christ. Jesus is our advocate before the father. Through him we can approach God's throne of grace with confidence. [01:05:01]

Chatbot

What is the significance of Jesus being both king and high priest?

How does Christ's priesthood compare to Old Testament priests?

What does Hebrews teach about approaching God's throne confidently?