12 For the word of God is living and active, and sharper than any two-edged sword, even penetrating as far as the division of soul and spirit, of both joints and marrow, and able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And there is no creature hidden from His sight, but all things are open and laid bare to the eyes of Him to whom we must answer.

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but One who has been tempted in all things just as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let’s approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace for help at the time of our need.

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Does the writer have ADD symptoms? It seems all of a sudden this verse is dropped in the middle of the discourse. Alas, Barnes’ commentary illuminates the connection: “The idea here is, that what God had said is [equipped] to detect hypocrisy, and to lay open the true nature of the feelings of the soul, so that there can be no escape for the guilty.” The author added v12-13 so the readers know we can’t hide anything from him. Barnes continues, “Its power is seen in awakening the conscience; alarming the fears; laying bare the secret feelings of the heart; and causing the sinner to tremble with the apprehension of the coming judgment.” Have you experienced that?

Then v14 gives another warning / exhortation to hold fast to our faith, knowing that our High Priest, Jesus (who we’ve seen compared to angels, Moses and later to OT priests) has not just gone into the holy of holies in the earthly tabernacle, but to THE holy of holies, Heaven! In fact, He’s opened the way for believers to follow Him! He, who is fully man – even to the point of suffering temptation as we do – has made it possible to get direct access to God’s mercy and grace. Now there’s a reason to rejoice and give thanks.