If you don't understand Jesus in terms of these Old Testament categories designed by God from before the foundation of the world for our good.

Your grasp of Jesus is so thin and superficial.

Why must we understand who Jesus is and what he's done for us according to scriptures categories?

That's the question John Piper answers from Hebrew 14 to 5.

In this episode of Light and Truth.

This sermon was originally preached at Bethlehem Baptist Church on September 15, 1996.

I hope that you will take your Bibles now and turn with me to Hebrew chapter 4

verse 14 to Hebrew 5 verse 3

Hebrews 414 through chapter 5 verse 3 starting now at verse 14, I'll read it with you.

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.

For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without

sin.

Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace that we may receive mercy and may find grace to help in time of need.

For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.

He can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided since he himself is also beset with weakness.

And because of it, he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins as for the people so also for himself.

Father, my prayer as we look at this passage of scripture which you inspired and attempt to unfold it, that you would draw

near and you would save and you would strengthen.

For those outside Christ, I pray that the word would prove to be a compelling, winsome, persuasive word about your superior value, beauty and truth over all else in the universe.

And for those inside the faith, I pray there would be renewal and restoration and reform and

and emboldening and reconciliation and healing

and that every good thing

...