One of the reasons I chose to read Hebrews is because I was in search of the glorious splendor of the majesty of Jesus. The passage today gives a glimpse into that splendor as we look at Jesus as the high priest and how through Jesus, we can confidently approach the throne of grace. As we move more into the letter of Hebrews the truth rings louder that Jesus is better.

I think jumping ahead to Hebrews 5:1-10 shapes a better understanding to help see the weight at the end of Hebrews 4. In the days of Moses, God appointed the first priests who were allowed in the most sacred parts of the temple where the veil hung to separate all people from the presence of God. Every year, the priests cast lots of who would be the high priest to purify themselves and offer sacrifice for atonement in the temple behind the veil, in the holy of holies. The process of purification for the priest and the sacrifices for his sins and the sins of the people was rigorous. Why? I think the people understood the holiness of God and the weight of their sin. Maybe it is because some of them felt a mountain tremble or saw a cloud hover over the tent of meeting to communicate the presence of God was there. Regardless, there are a lot of days where I am quick to forget the holiness of God and weight of my sin.

When I read Hebrews 5:7-10 the splendor of Jesus is the choice he makes to not elevate himself. But do you see what happens? Jesus prays to God the Father, and his prayers are heard because of his reverence to God. Jesus chooses reverence and obedience, two things my flesh fight against. Remember Jesus is perfect. Therefore, Jesus has every qualification to elevate himself and to designate himself as priest. Jesus holds power and authority as part of the Trinity, but Jesus chooses to pass through the heavens and come to earth in humility.

Now flip back to Hebrews 4:14-16. The three verses are packed with beautiful truth. Jesus closes the distance between us by coming to earth as a human. Jesus moves toward you and me. We needed this to happen. Jesus invites us to the throne of grace. Before we go further, I think it is helpful to define and visualize the throne of grace. In contrast to the veil in the temple separating all people from the holiness of God due to sin, the throne of grace comes after Jesus resurrects from the grave. To step behind the veil, a priest had to prove himself worthy after rigorous purification and sacrifice. To approach the throne of grace requires no work by us, but only the work of Jesus. The perfect, sinless sacrifice of Jesus is what gives you and I access and confidence to approach the throne of grace. Where does this confidence come from? Jesus, the high priest, who was the sacrifice once for all. It was that powerful and complete. Maybe you are wondering how do we approach the throne of grace? Where is it? The throne of grace represents the unmerited favor and kindness God lovingly gives to all who believe and trust in Jesus. If you confess your sin and receive the sacrifice Jesus paid to cover your sin past, present, and future, then the throne of grace is available to you. When I pray or cry out to God, it is helpful to visualize praying over a throne of grace as my head is bowed down in reverence. I am amazed by what the throne of grace offers. In Hebrews 4:16, the author says the gifts of grace and mercy wait for us. The promise is to receive compassion and favor from God the Father. How amazing.

As a child of God, seeing a glimpse into the splendor of Jesus eagerly draws me near to the throne of grace. The passage reminds me that Jesus closed the distance through his sacrifice once for all as the great high priest. I can rejoice because the veil is torn! This means relationship with God is available through Jesus with the invitation to come receive mercy and grace. Jesus truly is better. My hope is for you to draw near to Him today.