This verse sums up the message and challenge of Hebrews. Jesus, the Son of God, is our high priest and the reason to stay strong in the Christian faith.
a great high priest: Israel’s high priest was the main leader in worship and the mediator between God and the people (see Exodus 31:10; Leviticus 4:3; 2 Kings 12:10; 2 Chronicles 26:20).
who has passed through the heavens: Earthly high priests entered God’s presence in the Most Holy Place once a year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:1–25). In contrast, Jesus, our high priest, has entered God’s presence in heaven and stays there (Hebrews 7:26; 9:11–12, 23–26).
let us hold firmly: Stay committed to actively believing in and being loyal to Jesus (see also Colossians 2:19; 2 Thessalonians 2:15; Revelation 2:13, 25; 3:11).