(a)It behooved Him to be made like unto His brethren (ch. 2:17), so that He might be our Priest. And having become a man, He was when on earth tempted (5:18; ch. 4:15), so that in heaven He can feel for us and succor us. Thus the Lord's heart is to be fully trusted, for though He be exalted, yet He "can have compassion on the ignorant" (ch. v. 2).
(b)He is Priest after the power of an endless life (ch. 7:16). His office does not pass from one to another, as is the case with priests of earth (ch. 7:24). He is the perfect repository for all our needs; we can tell Him our secrets, and repose our whole burden on Him alone, for He is able to save to the uttermost (ch. 7:25).
(c)He is the only Intercessor, and He ever lives to make intercession for all who come to God by Him.
3. Because we have such an High Priest
(a) Our privilege is to come boldly to the throne of grace (ch. 4:16)—to draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith (ch. 10:22).
(b) And our responsibility is to hold fast our profession (ch. 4:14), part of which is that Christ Himself is our great High Priest. Also the profession of our hope (R.V. ch. 10:23) that is, the fulfillment of the promises of God through Christ. Our calling is heavenly—we are going to heaven (ch. 3:1). Christ—our Aaron—will bring us there safely; we are therefore to run with patience the race that is set before us (ch. 12:1).