In this verse (and also verses 15-16), we see more about Jesus our High Priest. These are really comforting and encouraging verses as we face temptations, we sin and our faith is tested through trouble.
Jesus has “passed through the heavens”. He ascended (Acts 1:9-11, Hebrews 1:3) and has gone into heaven itself. He is not an earthly priest that does earthly things, He represents us in heaven.
He is “the Son of God.” He is powerful. He is the one that Psalm 2:6-7 speaks of “You are my Son, today I have begotten You.” (see also Hebrews 3:5). In His ascension to God’s right hand and His reign in glory, Jesus is proved to be who He really is, God the Son, God’s chosen King. He is a priest who is God, He has the Father’s ear. He is not like a lawyer on earth who can fail to get a judge to listen. He is God the Son, and the Father listens to Him as He intercedes for us.
This is glorious. The verse concludes with another encouragement: “let us hold fast our confession.” This is not saying that we can lose our salvation, but is giving us an encouragement to keep going. As Christians we sometimes make real messes. We sin badly, or we do something really stupid, and we start to wonder if it is worth going on and think to ourselves, “Will the Lord still accept me now that I have messed up so badly?”
The answer is yes, He will still accept you. You can hold fast (keep going, keep trusting Christ) because He is a high priest like this. You might have messed up; yes, you might be full of regret for things you have done in the past. But you have a high priest – Jesus, the Son of God. He is not going to turn you away, He represents you before the Father and you are accepted in Him (Eph 1:6, NKJV). So you can keep going, you can keep trusting, you can hold on.
But the wonderful thing also is that He holds onto us (John 10:28-29). Our faith can be shaken, but He never lets go.
“When I think my faith will fail, Christ will hold me fast.” He is holding you and He will not drop you; you are safe. Praise His name.
The best is yet to come 