Hebrews 6:20 – “where our forerunner, Jesus, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse wraps up the powerful message of Hebrews 6 with a clear and personal truth: Jesus has already gone ahead of us into God’s presence. He is our forerunner, meaning He didn’t just open the way-He went first, leading the way so we could follow. He entered “on our behalf,” which means He didn’t do it just for Himself, but for us-for every person who trusts in Him.
The second part of the verse tells us that Jesus is not just a one-time helper-He is a high priest forever. And not in the line of the traditional Jewish priests from Aaron’s family, but “in the order of Melchizedek,” a mysterious figure from the Old Testament who appears in Genesis 14. The writer will explain more about Melchizedek in chapter 7, but the point here is simple: Jesus is a different kind of priest. His priesthood doesn’t end. It’s eternal. And it’s perfectly suited to bring us to God.
This verse gives a picture of Jesus as the One who’s gone ahead, the One who represents us, and the One who makes a way into God’s presence forever.
Historical Context
In ancient Israel, only the high priest could enter the Most Holy Place in the temple, and only once a year-on the Day of Atonement. He had to offer sacrifices for sin, including his own. That role was passed down through generations in the family line of Aaron.
But Jesus came as a different kind of high priest. He wasn’t from the tribe of Levi. He didn’t need to offer sacrifices for His own sin-because He had none. And He didn’t enter a man-made temple, but heaven itself.
The reference to Melchizedek would have caught the attention of Jewish readers. They knew Melchizedek was both a priest and a king, and that his appearance in Genesis seemed almost timeless. The writer of Hebrews uses Melchizedek as a model to explain how Jesus serves as an eternal priest-not limited by human weakness or death.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches that Jesus is the permanent solution for our need to be made right with God. He doesn’t just represent us once; He always represents us. His priesthood is not based on human ancestry but on divine appointment and eternal power.
As our forerunner, Jesus shows that heaven is not closed to us. He entered it first so that we could follow. He makes a way for sinners to come near to a holy God.
This verse also teaches that we don’t need any other mediator. Jesus is enough. His role as high priest is complete, eternal, and personal. We come to God through Him-and only through Him.
Literary Analysis
The verse builds directly on verse 19, which talked about our hope being anchored in the inner sanctuary-God’s presence. Now we see why that hope is firm: because Jesus is already there.
The word forerunner is rich with meaning. It suggests movement, leadership, and purpose. Jesus went ahead not just to prepare a place (John 14:2), but to open the way for us to follow.
The phrase “has entered on our behalf” shows substitution and representation. He did it for us. And “high priest forever” marks the shift from temporary to eternal. Finally, the mention of Melchizedek prepares us for a deeper teaching about how Jesus fulfills this role uniquely and perfectly.
Biblical Cross-References
- Leviticus 16 – Describes the role of the high priest on the Day of Atonement.
- Genesis 14:18–20 – Melchizedek blesses Abraham; a priest of God Most High.
- Psalm 110:4 – “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
- Hebrews 4:14–16 – Jesus is our great high priest who gives us access to God’s throne.
- John 14:2–3 – Jesus goes to prepare a place for us.
- 1 Timothy 2:5 – “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus.”
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse gives you rock-solid assurance: Jesus has already done what is needed to bring you into God’s presence. He’s not waiting for you to work your way in. He’s already gone ahead-and you’re invited to follow.
You don’t need to be afraid that God won’t accept you. Jesus is your high priest forever. He knows you, loves you, and represents you. He’s not going anywhere. He’s not going to fail. He stands in heaven on your behalf.
In times of doubt, fear, or weakness, this verse reminds you that your hope isn’t based on your performance, but on Jesus’ position-anchored in the very presence of God.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
This verse shows the heart of a loving God who doesn’t leave us on the outside looking in. He sent Jesus to be our forerunner-not just to show the way, but to be the way.
God didn’t set up a system that leaves people guessing. He gave us a Savior who not only forgives but leads, represents, and secures our place in heaven. That’s love in action-God making the way clear and personal.
He wants us near Him, and He provided everything necessary for that to happen-through Jesus.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus is the center of this verse. He is the forerunner, the one who goes ahead. He is the high priest, the one who intercedes for us. He is the fulfillment of the promise, the eternal representative before God.
By referencing Melchizedek, the writer highlights how Jesus is unlike any other priest. His priesthood doesn’t end. It doesn’t depend on earthly systems. It’s perfect, powerful, and forever.
Jesus brings us to God not just once, but continually. He stands in heaven today as the living proof that we belong there too.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- What does it mean to you personally that Jesus is your forerunner?
- How does this verse help you feel more secure in your relationship with God?
- In what ways does knowing Jesus is your eternal high priest bring comfort during trials or struggles?
- Why is it significant that Jesus‘ priesthood is “in the order of Melchizedek”?
- How can you live each day more aware that Jesus is standing before God on your behalf?