Hebrews 4:14-16
Read Hebrews 4:14-16
Helpful Background Information:
In the final section of our sermon passage, Jesus uses the example of him cursing the fig tree and applies it to the power and nature of faith and prayer. The withered fig tree is an object lesson to the disciples to “‘Have faith in God.” The command to believe in God is reinforced by the claim, “ I tell you the truth.” Jesus illustrates the power of faith with a common Hebrew hyperbole about the moving of a mountain. This is a reminder to us that prayer is not simply asking God for the pleasant things which we may desire, but an earnest yearning for, and entering into, the will of God, for ourselves and others, whether it is sweet or bitter. Such prayers will always be answered by God in such a way that he sees fit for our eternal joy in Christ.
This confidence in going before the Lord in prayer is repeated in various parts of both the Old and New Testaments. For our purposes, however, we will examine Hebrews 4:14-16. In our passage, the author introduces Jesus as our great high priest, a theme that will dominate the rest of the letter. In the Old Testament, the priest was someone who entered the Holy of Holies in the temple once a year on the Day of Atonement to sprinkle blood, atoning for the sins of the people. In the New Covenant, Jesus has covered us with his blood, and our sins are atoned for completely - once and for all. He sits enthroned in heaven in the very presence of the Father to represent us and make intercession for us.
Because of this wonderful reality, the author states clearly, “Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness…” (Heb. 4:16a). Jesus’ work as priest guarantees us God’s grace and kindness. The author of Hebrews imagines Christians coming before God as often as needed; when they come, it is to be with a bold frankness, assured of God’s fatherly compassion.
Reflection Questions:
Are there fears, doubts, or feelings of unworthiness that keep you from praying honestly before God?
How might your prayer life change if you truly believed God welcomes you as often as needed?
How does knowing that Jesus intercedes for you right now affect your confidence in prayer?
What does it mean that Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses, yet is without sin? How does this change the way you look at prayer?