“In bringing many sons to glory, it was fitting that God, for whom and through whom everything exists, should make the author of their salvation perfect through suffering” (Hebrews 2:10) 

Have you ever wondered why Jesus had to suffer? It's a profound question. Beyond the theological weight of Him becoming sin for us, why did He have to endure the full spectrum of human struggle? He entered a world under the dominion of darkness, not as a conquering king at first, but as a vulnerable baby. He lived a life marked by temptation, loss, and pain. Answering this question reveals a beautiful and encouraging truth: Jesus’s suffering perfectly equipped Him to be our High Priest.

This role is not just a title; it's an active, ongoing ministry He performs on our behalf. Understanding it changes how we approach God and how we view our own struggles.

What Was a High Priest?

In ancient Israel, the high priest held a unique and vital position. He was the chief religious official, responsible for overseeing temple worship. But his most critical duty occurred once a year on the Day of Atonement, or Yom Kippur. On this single day, he was permitted to enter the Most Holy Place—the innermost chamber of the temple, where God's presence dwelt.

He went as an advocate for the entire nation. There, he would offer a blood sacrifice on the mercy seat, not only for the sins of the people but for his own as well. This act didn't permanently cleanse them from sin; it was a temporary covering. It was a system that had to be repeated year after year. The entire Old Testament priesthood, with its rituals and limitations, was a shadow pointing to a greater reality: Jesus, our perfect High Priest serving in the true tabernacle in heaven.

Perfected Through Suffering

The Levitical priests of the Old Testament could relate to the people because they were sinners, too. They understood failure and the need for mercy firsthand. But Jesus was sinless. So, how could He relate? He did so by fully entering into the human experience.

“For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people. Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted” (Hebrews 2:17-18).

Jesus’s suffering wasn't a flaw in God’s plan; it was a central part of it. He experienced hunger, exhaustion, betrayal, and grief. He faced temptation and understood the pull of this world. This experience didn't make Him divine—He already was. It made Him the perfect human representative, one who could genuinely sympathize with our weaknesses.

Think about what this means. When you face trials, when you are tempted, when you feel accused or misunderstood, Jesus gets it. He doesn't just know about your struggle in an abstract sense; He has felt the weight of it in His own humanity. The writer of Hebrews says He is able to help those being tested. His intercession for you before the Father is not based on theory but on shared experience. What an incredible display of God's character—to subject His own Son to the harsh realities of our world so He could be our faithful and merciful advocate.

A Priesthood Guaranteed by an Oath

The old priesthood was temporary and flawed. Priests grew old, they sinned, and they died. Their work was never truly finished. Jesus's priesthood, however, is radically different. It's permanent and perfect, guaranteed by God's own unbreakable promise.

“The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever.’” (Hebrews 7:21)

This oath changes everything. It means Jesus is the guarantee of a better covenant. Because He lives forever, His work as our High Priest is never-ending. He “always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). This is a source of immense security for us. Because of this oath, we can be confident that we are forgiven, accepted, and holy in God's sight. His intercession isn't based on our performance but on His finished work and eternal position.

Our Access to God

Under the old system, a heavy veil in the temple separated the people—and even the regular priests—from the Most Holy Place. It was a constant, physical reminder of the division between a holy God and sinful humanity. Access was forbidden.

But when Jesus died on the cross, the Gospels tell us that this veil was torn in two, from top to bottom. This was no small event; it was a divine announcement that the way to God was now open.

“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way opened for us through the curtain, that is, his body…let us draw near to God with a sincere heart and with the full assurance that faith brings” (Hebrews 10:19-22).

Through Jesus, our High Priest, we no longer stand on the outside looking in. We are invited to "draw near" and enter the very throne room of grace. We can come confidently, not because of our own righteousness, but because we are covered by the righteousness of Christ. His body was torn so the veil could be torn.

His suffering gave Him the empathy to be our advocate, and His resurrection gave Him the authority to be our priest forever. Because of Him, we are no longer separated from God but are welcomed as His beloved children.

Personal Reflection Questions

1. How does Jesus’s suffering help you be honest with Him in prayer?

2. What does direct access to God mean for your daily faith?

3. How does knowing Jesus intercedes for you impact your confidence?