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Church of the Nazarene – East Rock
Christ Above All: Hebrews Part 2
The heartbeat of the Book of Hebrews is the ultimate supremacy of Christ over all.
Today we are continuing our summer teaching series in the book of Hebrews called “Christ Above All”.
Hebrews was written to a persecuted group of Christians in or around the city of Rome, and under the pressure of the moment, they were tempted to return to their Jewish roots to escape the persecution that came with the name of Jesus.
But as we find in the letter itself, the author has gone to great lengths to show these weary Christians that Christ is better than anything else they can turn to- they shouldn’t give up on him.
One of the “Jesus is better” themes we find in the book of Hebrews is that Jesus is a better high priest. As we will see this morning, this was a game changing statement for the original audience, and for us, even if you didn’t even know you had a Great high priest.
Hebrews 4:14
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.
The news of having a high priest might feel strange today because we don’t typically relate associate our faith and relationship with Jesus in priestly language.
But, listen, for the people who first read the letter to the Hebrews, this was a much bigger deal than you could imagine.
A priest in the Old Testament times was the person selected to bring offerings and sacrifices before the Lord. The priest was your spiritual quarterback…or clean-up hitter, or poll sitter…use your own analogy.
In those times, you didn’t just waltz into the presence of the Lord in the temple- that would get you killed. You did NOT get to God without the priest. Period.
There was only one person, the High Priest, who could do that. His job was to bring offerings and sacrifices on behalf of the people while they stayed outside. There was always a barrier between the people and God. So there had to be a go-between. That was a priest.
But now, Jesus is our “go between”, our agent, our representative, before the Father.
Hebrews 4:15
For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin.
Why is having Jesus as our great high priest good news?
Because Jesus knows what you’re going through, he knows what it’s like to face temptation, suffering, and the trials of life. In fact, what we endure on this earth may be hard, but it’s really nothing compared to what He suffered on our behalf.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
You have a great high priest. He understands the temptations and trials of life. And he’s here to help.
With Jesus as your great high priest, you can come into the presence of God with confidence that we can receive the mercy and grace that we need for this life.
No religious ceremony, no burnt incense, only by the blood of Christ. Not only can we do this, in fact, we must.
Hebrews 5:1-10
Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was. In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Jesus didn’t win a contest or have a popular vote to become the Great High Priest, he did not take that role upon himself. He was appointed or given that position by God the Father.
Just because Jesus was the Son of God, that did not exempt him from necessity of obedience. Being the son didn’t exempt him from suffering, suffering even to the point of death. But he did it; our great High Priest earned that that title.
Jesus had to say no to his desire to live, his desire to side step what was ahead- he had to choose obedience, choose the way of the Father.
That’s the essence of this passage. Jesus took the Master Class of obedience and completed the course perfectly and now he offers eternal salvation to those who obey him.
He is The Great High Priest.
No matter where you find yourself today, the message of Hebrews is loud and clear. Chris is above all.
Above any challenge, above any temptation, or any suffering. He is above all. And as your great high priest, he is here to help. To lead you to the throne of grace and mercy.
Jesus has been there and now, he’s here to help you. Will you trust him?
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