Jesus our Great High Priest

Introduction:

· Being put in your place by a Middle School

· This deals with ordination of priests to serve God’s people.

SO, LET’S LOOK AT HOW God ORDAINS PRIESTS TO REPRESENT THE PEOPLE, TO MEDIATE HIS PRESENCE TO HIS PEOPLE, AND TO GIVE US HIS FAVOR TO US.

I) Priests represent the people to God

A. God Clothes The Priests as Representatives

i. The priests’ clothing designated them as royal servants

1. The packing list included garments (vs. 2; c.f. Ex. 28)

2. The garments were like a uniform, but in this case, colored with royalty

ii. The priests Clothing depicted their work (c.f. 8:5-9)

1. The headpiece: “Holy to the Lord” indicated their devotion to God

2. The Ephod & breastpiece: carrying & holding God’s people

B. God Consecrates the Priests as Representatives

i. As Common people, the priests needed anointing (vs. 2b, c.f. 8:10-13, 30)

1. The packing list also included oil: Everything it touched became holy

2. The utensils, the altar, and finally, the priests themselves were anointed

ii. As sinful people, the priests needed to bring sacrifices (c.f. 9:7-21)

1. The “packing list” included the animals needed for 4 offerings (vs. 2c)

2. The priests were no better than others, they first had to deal with their sin

3. The priests enjoyed fellowship with God

WHAT IS THE OUTCOME? THAT COMES AT THE END OF CHAPTER 9.

II) Priests Represent God to His People

A. God Gifts His Presence To His People (vv. 9:23)

i. The longing behind our desires…

1. God’s presence was near, but remained inaccessible (Ex. 40)

2. Curt Thompson: The desires behind our actions are longings for God

ii. that is realized: God’s presence is accessible! (vs. 23)

1. Now we see! God provided a way: offerings mediated by a priest

2. And finally, Moses and Aaron enter the presence of God, the door is open!

B. God Gifts His Blessing To His people

i. The priest pronounces God’s blessing upon the people(vv. 22, 23)

1. The priest speaks God’s blessing – NOT his own! (c.f. Num. 6)

2. Some of have longed our whole lives to hear words of blessing and favor

3. EXAMPLE: God looks at you and absolutely delights in you

ii. The people respond in humble worship (vs. 24)

1. The only proper response is to fall on our knees and worship!

2. One of the ways we know we are growing: Humility before God!

NOW, THIS IS THE PART IN THE SERMON WHERE YOU’D NORMALLY

III) God Gifts us With A Priest That we Might Receive His Favor

A. Jesus Represents God to Us

i. Jesus represents God’s Glory to Us (Jn. 1:14)

John 1:14 ESV

And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.

1. Yet, the full glory of God came to “tabernacle” in the person of Jesus

2. In Jesus our hearts are satisfied b/c we gaze on the beauty of the Lord

ii. Jesus Represents God’s blessing to Us

1. Jesus entered a greater, and presents his own blood

2. Therefore, Jesus speaks God’s blessing to his (Luke 24:50)

Luke 24:50 ESV

And he led them out as far as Bethany, and lifting up his hands he blessed them.

B. Jesus Mediates God’s Favor For us (Heb. 7:25)

Hebrews 7:25 ESV

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.

i. Jesus lives to intercede for God’s People

1. As the priest, Jesus the priest carries our concerns close to his heart

2. EXAMPLE:

i. When you don’t know what to pray

ii. When you can’t find the words to pray

iii. When Satan accuses, or “tempts us to despair”

transition:

Conclusion

Rest secure, knowing that your true high priest represents you.