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Have you ever wondered if God truly understands what you're going through? Do you sometimes feel like you need to clean up your life before approaching Him? The book of Hebrews reveals a powerful truth that changes everything about how we can relate to God.

What Does It Mean to Have Access?

Access changes everything in life. Whether it's backstage passes to a concert, security clearance for a building, or knowing the right person who can open doors - having access to places others can't go makes all the difference.

Under the Old Testament system, access to God was severely restricted. There were veils in the temple, required sacrifices, and strict separation between people and God. Only certain people from specific bloodlines could serve as priests, and only the high priest could enter the holy of holies once a year.

But Jesus changed all of that. When He died on the cross, the veil in the temple was supernaturally torn in two, removing the barrier between humanity and God forever.

Why Is Jesus Called Our "Great High Priest"?

Hebrews 4:14 tells us: "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."

Interestingly, there was never an official position called "great high priest" in the Old Testament system. The writer of Hebrews uses this unique term specifically for Jesus to show that He is superior to every priest who came before Him.

What Made Old Testament High Priests Limited?

Traditional high priests had several limitations:

  • They were sinners themselves
  • They were temporary - they all eventually died
  • Their sacrifices had to be repeated continually
  • Their work was never finished

How Is Jesus Different as Our High Priest?

Jesus is called our "great" high priest because the word "great" here means superior or better. Unlike earthly priests:

  • Jesus is without sin
  • Jesus is eternal - He's still alive
  • His sacrifice was once and for all
  • His work is complete (He sat down after finishing it)

Jesus didn't just pass through an earthly temple - He "passed through the heavens" directly to God's throne.

Does God Really Understand What I'm Going Through?

Many people view God as cold and distant, sitting in judgment. But Hebrews 4:15 reveals something amazing: "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."

There's a difference between empathy and sympathy. Empathy is trying to relate to something you haven't experienced. Sympathy is when you've actually walked through it yourself. Jesus doesn't just have empathy for our struggles - He has sympathy because He's experienced human temptation and pain firsthand.

What Qualifies Jesus to Understand Us?

Jesus was fully human and fully God. He experienced:

  • Temptation in every way we are tempted
  • Human emotions and struggles
  • Physical pain and suffering
  • Rejection and betrayal

Yet He remained without sin, making Him the perfect sacrifice and eternal mediator between us and God.

How Should This Change How I Approach God?

Hebrews 4:16 gives us one of Scripture's greatest invitations: "Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need."

The word "confidence" here can also be translated as "boldly." We're invited to come boldly to God's throne - not with arrogance or entitlement, but with fearless access because of what Jesus has done.

What Does It Mean to "Draw Near"?

Under the old covenant, people had to stay distant from God. Now believers are invited to draw near. When you pray - whether kneeling at an altar, sitting on your couch, or whispering in the darkness - you are spiritually transported to God's throne.

Your prayers aren't silent hopes cast into the universe. Even your quietest whisper of "God, I need you" reverberates through the heavens directly to God's ears.

What Can I Expect When I Come to God?

When we approach God's throne, we receive:

  • Mercy - Not getting the punishment we deserve
  • Grace - Getting the help we need in our time of need
  • Compassion - Understanding from One who has walked in our shoes

Psalm 103:13-14 reminds us: "As a father shows compassion to his children, so the Lord shows compassion to those who fear him."

What About My Failures and Inconsistencies?

Your confidence to approach God has nothing to do with your performance or consistency. We all have mountaintop days and valley days. We all have moments when we don't represent God well, when we think, say, or do things we shouldn't.

But your access to God isn't based on your track record - it's based entirely on what Jesus has done for you. Your weakness doesn't keep you from Jesus; it's the reason you need Jesus.

Stop hiding your struggles from God. He already knows them. Instead of living like the door is closed to you, remember that Jesus tore down the veil and said, "Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28).

Life Application

This week, approach God boldly in prayer. Stop living spiritually like you're outside the veil that Jesus already tore down. You have 100% open and free access to the throne of grace.

Pray honestly about your struggles instead of trying to hide them. Bring your burdens to Him daily, knowing that He understands exactly what you're going through because He's been there too. Spend intentional time in prayer, worship, and reading His word, approaching God with confidence based on Christ's finished work, not your own performance.

Ask yourself these questions:

  • Am I approaching God with confidence or fear?
  • Do I truly believe that Jesus understands my struggles?
  • What burdens am I carrying that I need to bring boldly to God's throne?
  • How can I live this week knowing I have complete access to God through Jesus?