Jesus The Perfect Priest
By Biblword -
Hebrews 7:20-28
20 And
it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made
such without an oath, 21 but
this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:
“The
Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
‘You are a priest forever.’”
and will not change his mind,
‘You are a priest forever.’”
22 This
makes Jesus the guarantor of a
better covenant.23 The
former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from
continuing in office, 24 but
he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently,
he is able to save to the uttermost those
who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to
make intercession for them.26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a
high priest, holy,
innocent, unstained, separated
from sinners, and exalted
above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the
people, since he did this once for
all when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appoints men in their weakness as high
priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a
Son who has been made perfect
forever. English Standard
Version (ESV)
"Unlike
the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day,
first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for
their sins once for all when he offered himself." (Hebrews 7:27)
The author of Hebrews paints
two images that are high in contrast:
- the Old Testament priests of the past and
- Jesus, the new high priest.
The priests of the old covenant were ordinary people, just like you and me. They could only serve for a number of years and eventually they would die, just like you and me.
- the Old Testament priests of the past and
- Jesus, the new high priest.
The priests of the old covenant were ordinary people, just like you and me. They could only serve for a number of years and eventually they would die, just like you and me.
When they offered sacrifices for the people, they first had to
offer sacrifices for themselves, because they were sinful people, just like you
and me.
The sacrifices had to be offered again and again because they never really sufficed to take away sin. This image looks imperfect and dull in color.
The sacrifices had to be offered again and again because they never really sufficed to take away sin. This image looks imperfect and dull in color.
And then the author directs
our gaze to the other, perfect image that shimmers with bright colors. It shows
us Jesus the high priest, who offered up himself as the perfect sacrifice, once
and for all. He never sinned but was holy, blameless, and pure – unlike you and
me.
He holds the priesthood forever because he never dies but
continues forever – unlike you and me. The priests of old were appointed by the
law, but Jesus was appointed by the oath God uttered: ”You are a priest forever” – and this oath will never be changed or
nullified.
It is because Jesus is perfect
that he can meet all our needs and that we can confidently approach God through
him. He always makes intercession for us. We, imperfect people as we are, do
not have to fear rejection.
You might be tricked by the evil one into thinking that you
would do better to hide from Jesus because of your sinfulness.
However, in this chapter we are clearly told that Jesus is able to ‘save us completely’ (vs. 25).
However, in this chapter we are clearly told that Jesus is able to ‘save us completely’ (vs. 25).
Rejoice in the beauty of
Jesus!
Are you suffering from a sin
in your life? Or are there other problems pressing on your shoulders? Do not
hesitate to take the load to Jesus, the perfect priest who always intercedes on
your behalf.
Are
you struggling with a big decision or wondering how your eternal future will
play out?
Why
not talk to the God of the universe and let Him work in your behalf?
He
says, “I will instruct you and teach
you the way you should go; I will counsel you with my eye upon you" (Psalm
32:8).
Ask
God to show you what to do. Pray the following prayer:
“Heavenly
Father,
I admit that I am a sinner and my
sins have separated me from You. I now want to turn away from my past sinful
life and begin a new life with You.
Please forgive me. I now receive
your Son, Jesus Christ as my Savior, my Master and my Lord. I believe and
confess that Jesus Christ died for my sins, was buried, and rose from the dead.
I want to receive all that Jesus
Christ has provided for me as my Savior. Your Word says, ‘Whosoever shall
call on the name of the Lord shall be saved’ (Romans
10:13).
I believe and confess that Jesus
Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, and no man comes unto the Father,
but by Him.
Lord Jesus, I pray and ask You, to
come into my heart and be Lord of my life. I thank You that you have given me
eternal life, and according to Your Word, I am born again.
Heavenly Father, thank You for the
gift of the Holy Spirit that is in me now. I surrender my life to You.
Use me for Your glory.
In Jesus Name. Amen.”
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