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Study 02 of 18

Chapter 1: “Such an High Priest”

Hebrews shows that Jesus is our High Priest, having humbled Himself to reach us.

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

This chapter focuses on the phrase 'We have such an High Priest' found in Hebrews. Jones explains that 'such' implies a specific kind of High Priest—one who has gone through the process of condescension to become fully like His brethren. By reviewing the argument of the first seven chapters of Hebrews, he highlights that everything in the epistle is aimed at demonstrating the nature and qualifications of this High Priest. To understand His work as a 'merciful and faithful High Priest,' we must understand His nature. This requires looking at both His divine exaltation as the Son of God (the subject of Hebrews 1) and His human condescension (the subject of Hebrews 2). Jones argues that these are not separate, unrelated sections, but are foundational to our appreciation of Christ's current intercessory ministry in the heavenly sanctuary.

Key points

  • The phrase 'We have such an High Priest' is the sum of the first seven chapters of Hebrews.
  • 'Such' signifies that Christ is a specific kind of Priest, one who has qualified by becoming like us.
  • Understanding Christ's priesthood requires understanding both His divinity (Hebrews 1) and His humanity (Hebrews 2).
  • Christ's likeness to us was necessary for Him to be a 'merciful and faithful' High Priest.

Key texts

  • Hebrews 8:1
  • Hebrews 2:17
  • Hebrews 1:1-3

From the book

Chapter 1 · Belief 4 · Read this chapter

  • ““Now of the things which we have spoken this is the sum: We have such an High Priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens.”” (ch. 1)
  • ““Such” signifies “of that kind; of a like kind or degree,’—“the same as previously mentioned or specified; not another or different.”” (ch. 1)
  • “It is necessary, therefore, to an understanding of this scripture that the previous portion of this epistle shall be reviewed to see what is the true weight and import of this word, “such an High Priest.”” (ch. 1)

Put it into practice

  • Read Hebrews 1–8 to grasp the theme of Christ's High Priesthood.
  • Meditate on how Jesus, as Son of God, chose to become Son of Man.
  • Thank Jesus for being a 'merciful and faithful' High Priest for you today.
  1. Comprehension

    1. What is the 'sum' of the arguments in the first seven chapters of Hebrews?

  2. Doctrinal Clarity

    2. What does the word 'such' imply in this context?

  3. Comprehension

    3. Why is it necessary to understand Hebrews chapter 1 to understand chapter 2?

  4. Scripture

    4. What is the great thought over all in the first seven chapters of Hebrews?

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. Why did Jesus need to be made like His brethren?

  6. Contrast

    6. How are the first and second chapters of Hebrews related?

  7. Doctrinal Clarity

    7. What is the significance of the phrase ' merciful and faithful High Priest'?

  8. Application

    8. How does the author's focus on Christ's 'suchness' change your view of the priesthood?