Exalted as Priest
Christ Is Exalted • Sermon • Submitted
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Reading: Hebrews 4:14-5:10
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
1 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.
3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.
4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”;
6 as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.
8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,
10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
Prayer
INTRO: The Sin Problem
We need something that can deal with our sin problem. Better yet, we need someone who can fully and completely atone for our sins so that we might live for God.
Jesus is our Great High Priest. Look at how the high priest functions:
He acts on our behalf toward God, atoning for our sins
1 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.
He offers gentleness and understanding
2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.
3 Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.
He models right relationship with God (3)
4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
5 So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”;
6 as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”
He is called by God (4-6)
Now look at how Christ not only fills the role of a high priest, but how he perfectly fulfills the high priestly role:
He acts on our behalf toward God, atoning for our sins (7)
7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence.
He offers gentleness and understanding (4:15)
15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.
SIDE NOTE: The “He Gets Us” commercials
Throughout our shared history, Jesus has represented the ultimate good that humankind is capable of aspiring to.
Jesus, the world’s most radical love activist
We look at the biography of Jesus through a modern lens to find new relevance in often overlooked moments and themes from his life.
He models right relationship with God (3, 8-9)
8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.
9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him,
10 being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
He is called by God (4-6, 10)
We Can Hold Fast to Our Confession
We Can Hold Fast to Our Confession
14 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.
κρατεω - “seize”
13 “ ‘I know where you dwell, where Satan’s throne is. Yet you hold fast my name, and you did not deny my faith even in the days of Antipas my faithful witness, who was killed among you, where Satan dwells.
‘ομολογιας - open expression of allegiance
1 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession,
We Can Draw Near to God with Confidence
We Can Draw Near to God with Confidence
16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
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.
Our sin should make us fear God, but the atoning sacrifice of Christ allows us to boldly approach the throne as allies, not enemies of God.
We Can Find the Help We Need
We Can Find the Help We Need
16 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.