Our Great High Priest
Teachers
Lesson Summary
Richard Sutton taught that Jesus is not only described as King and Lord throughout Scripture, but also as our Great High Priest. Drawing from Hebrews 4:14-5:7, he explained that when life becomes difficult, when sin weighs heavily, or when discouragement sets in, Christians can find hope, grace, peace, and righteousness in Jesus. The teacher contrasted the Old Testament high priest system—where the high priest entered the Holy of Holies only once yearly with animal blood and a rope around his waist for safety—with Jesus, who entered heaven itself with His own blood as the ultimate sacrifice and now sits at God's right hand as our advocate. The central message emphasized that Jesus is uniquely qualified to be our High Priest because He sympathizes with our weaknesses. He experienced every temptation we face, yet without sin, making Him the God who suffers with us. By becoming human and dwelling among us, Jesus demonstrated His solidarity with humanity while maintaining His sinless nature. The teacher encouraged believers to hold fast to their confession and persevere in faith, remembering that Jesus intercedes for them before God's throne and wants the very best for them. Through personal illustrations and theological depth, Sutton showed that our confidence in Jesus as High Priest gives us assurance that we are not alone in our struggles. Jesus cares for us, loves us, and actively advocates on our behalf, making Him infinitely superior to any earthly priest or leader we might turn to in times of need.
Key Scriptures
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For if we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
In the days of his flesh, he offered up both prayers and supplications with loud cryings and tears to the one who was able to save him from death. And he was heard because of his piety. Though 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,