Draw Near to the Throne of Grace
Jesus Our Great High Priest and the Anchor of Hope
By Will Bourne · Bourne Again Media LLC
Hebrews 4:14–7:28 · 11–20
The journey of this volume
What if need became a reason to approach God rather than hide? This movement of Hebrews follows Jesus’ priesthood through mercy, maturity, warning, promise, and anchored hope. Begin with the invitation in chapter 4, where the compassionate High Priest opens access to the throne of grace. These pages invite honest prayer and faithful allegiance sustained by Christ, with room to receive help in the circumstances you actually face.
What need could I bring before God more honestly because Jesus has opened the way?
What you’ll explore
- Jesus’ compassionate high priesthood
- Mercy and grace in time of need
- Maturity beneath promise and warning
- Hope anchored in God’s faithfulness
Need becoming an invitation to draw near
Begin with Hebrews 4:14–16 in your Bible. Read Hebrews 4:14 through 16 within the letter’s account of the Son’s identity and shared humanity. Notice how holding firmly and drawing near belong together.
The following reading summarizes Commentary 11, “Hold Firmly to Our Great High Priest,” with a selected excerpt from the manuscript.
The community is called to hold firmly because it has Jesus, the Son of God, as its great High Priest. Will holds His exalted ministry and compassionate nearness together rather than treating them as competing truths.
Jesus knows testing within faithful human obedience. His priestly care opens an approach to God grounded in Him, allowing confession to continue through weakness, questions, or grief.
The throne is named by grace. Mercy and help are received in time of need, and responsible care can include relational and practical support alongside prayer. Holding firmly and drawing near become two responses to the same Christ.
Need becoming an invitation to draw near
This invitation confronts shame that tells people to hide until they become worthy of mercy. The passage reverses that logic. Mercy and grace are sought precisely because help is needed. Drawing near is not a reward for having no weakness. It is the response made possible by Jesus.
Will Bourne · From Commentary 11 on Hebrews 4:14–16, in Draw Near to the Throne of Grace
Following Christ through this movement
The Son who has passed through the heavens is the Jesus who shared human life and testing. His divine authority does not place weakness beneath His notice.
He opens confident access to God. Mercy and present help come through His priestly ministry, sustaining faith that answers grace with honest prayer and responsible action.
Continue in Scripture
Psalm 103:8–14 · Hebrews 2:14–18 · Romans 8:34–39
Read these passages alongside the selected manuscript commentary. Keep each literary and historical setting in view while following the biblical witness toward Christ and faithful practice today.
A question to carry
Where has shame made me reluctant to seek mercy or help? How could confidence in Christ change the way I pray or receive care?
Stay with one person or situation that comes to mind. Notice what this passage brings into view before deciding how to respond.
Back to section choices ↑One faithful step
Bring one specific need to God in plain words. Identify one appropriate form of practical or relational support and take a step to receive it where needed. Let prayer and responsible help accompany one another.
Back to section choices ↑A prayer for the journey
Jesus, our compassionate High Priest, help us hold firmly to You and draw near in need. Father, receive our honest prayers at the throne of grace. Holy Spirit, strengthen hope and teach us to receive mercy and help with gratitude. Amen.
Back to section choices ↑The formation emphasis in this volume
Will’s commentary joins firm allegiance with confident nearness. The High Priest is both exalted and compassionate, and the invitation to mercy begins where help is needed.
The formation emphasis gives shame a different answer from hiding or performance. Honest prayer, received care, and practical support can express trust in Jesus while hope remains anchored in God’s faithfulness.
Editorial summary of Will Bourne’s manuscript.
Back to section choices ↑