This week, Pastor Chris shared a powerful message about approaching the throne of God with confidence. In a world filled with overwhelming needs and countless ways to cope—whether through distraction, isolation, or even unhealthy escapes—it’s easy to ignore our deeper need for grace. We often find ourselves rationalizing or justifying our mistakes instead of bringing them to God. But a central message in the book of Hebrews is this: in moments of need and repentance, we’re invited to draw near to God boldly. No matter what we may believe about ourselves—or even about Him—God consistently meets us with love, grace, and mercy.
Jesus is our Advocate, not Accuser.
Hebrews 4:14 (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.
| Earthly High Priests | Jesus, the Great High Priest |
| Humans who would offer sacrifices but could not take them away sin. | Gave His life and died as the final sacrifice for sin. |
| Once a year atone for the sins of the nation. | Once and for all paid the price for all sin. |
| Humans that were sinful themselves. | Sinless Son of God, fully human yet divine. |
| Highest religious authorities for Jews. | Jesus’ authority is far superior and conclusive. |
| People could only approach God through the high priest. | People can approach the throne of grace through Christ because of Christ’s death. |
Hebrews 4:15 (ESV)
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.
- Sympathize ~ Feeling with someone, not just feeling for them, and can involve offering comfort, support, and companionship.
We can have confidence to approach Him.
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
16 Let us then with confidence (boldness even in intimidating circumstances) draw near (move toward, approach) to the throne of grace (kindness, unmerited favor), that we may receive mercy (not getting what we deserve) and find grace to help in time of need.
Jesus was appointed, sympathetic, and sacrificial.
Hebrews 5:1-4 (ESV)
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.
Hebrews 5:5-7 (ESV)
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.
Why Good Friday?
- In Gethsemane, Jesus agonized and wept, but committed Himself to do the Father’s will in accepting the cup of suffering which would bring His death (Matt. 26:38–46, Luke 22:44-45).
- Anticipating bearing the burden of judgment for sin, Jesus felt its fullest pain and grief (Isaiah 52:14, 53:3–5).
- Though He bore the penalty in silence and did not seek to deliver Himself from it (Isaiah 53:7), He did cry out from the agony of the fury of God’s wrath poured on His perfectly holy and obedient person (Matt. 27:46, 2 Cor. 5:21).
- Jesus asked to be saved from remaining in death…to be resurrected (Psalm 16:9-10).
Hebrews 5:8 (ESV)
8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
Luke 2:52 (ESV)
52 And Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favor with God and man.
Hebrews 5:9-10 (ESV)
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.
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
Let us then with confidence drawn near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace (strength) to help in time of need.
Discussion Questions:
- How does knowing Jesus is the Great High Priest—who understands your weaknesses—change the way you approach Him?
- The phrase “throne of grace” implies kindness and unearned favor. How is that different from how many people view God’s throne?
- Have you experienced a time when God gave you mercy or grace in a time of need? Would you be willing to share?
- What does Jesus’ willingness to suffer and obey—even when it meant death—tell us about His heart and His mission?
Application Questions:
- What step could you take this week to draw nearer to God with confidence?