Untitled Sermon

References to Jesus Christ as the High Priest

Heb 2:17: Jesus Christ had to become lower than the angels for the suffering of death and be made like his brethren in order that he might become a MERCIFUL (c.f. 4:16) and FAITHFUL (c.f. 3.1) high priest in service to God; and that he might MAKE ATONEMENT FOR THE SINS OF THE PEOPLE (c.f. 9-10)

Heb 3:1: Jesus Christ is the APOSTLE and HIGH PRIEST whom we confess. He was FAITHFUL to the one who appointed him (c.f. 5:4-6; 7:28)

Heb 4:14-15: Jesus Christ is a GREAT HIGH PRIEST, who has GONE THROUGH THE HEAVENS (6:20; 8:1-2; 9:23-26). We have a high priest who is able to SYMPATHIZE WITH OUR WEAKNESSES. He was TEMPTED IN EVERY WAY, yet was WITHOUT SIN (2Cor 5:21).

Heb 5:5-10: Jesus Christ was appointed to be a high priest by God (verses 5:1-4 state that appointed to represent men in matters related to God and to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins, themes that become important in chapters 8-10). He has appointed him as a PRIEST FOREVER in the ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK (Ps. 110:1). His sufferings and first-hand experience with obedience in the face of suffering makes him a PERFECT high priest for us and the SOURCE OF ETERNAL SALVATION.

Heb 6:20: Our hope enter the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a HIGH PRIEST FOREVER in the order of Melchizedek.

Heb 7:18-28: The Lord made Jesus Christ a priest by an oath (c.f. 6:17; Heb 7:28; Ps. 110:4). Because of the oath, Jesus has become the GUARANTEE OF A BETTER COVENANT. Jesus has a PERMANENT PRIEST because he LIVES FOREVER. He ALWAYS LIVES TO INTERCEDE for us (ROM 8:34). Such a high priest MEETS OUR NEED- One who is HOLY, BLAMELESS, PURE, SET APART FROM SINNERS, EXALTED TO THE HEAVENS. He sacrificed for our sins ONCE FOR ALL.

Heb 8:1ff: We do have SUCH A HIGH PRIEST, who SAT DOWN AT THE RIGHT HAND OF THE THRONE OF THE MAJESTY IN HEAVEN (1:1-4) and who SERVES AT THE TRUE TABERNACLE SET UP BY THE LORD (9:1ff). Jesus ministry is SUPERIOR TO THEIRS (Old covenant priests, 5:1-3). Founded on BETTER PROMISES (4:1-promise of rest; 6:13-20--the promise of a seed who will bless all people to Abraham--the SON; 9:15--promised eternal inheritance)

Heb 9:11ff: Our great high priest, Jesus Christ, went through a MORE PERFECT TABERNACLE, entering by HIS OWN BLOOD, and has obtained ETERNAL REDEMPTION for those who enter God’s rest through him. He provides through his sacrifice a CLEANSED CONSCIENCE. He is the MEDIATOR OF A NEW COVENANT (8:7-13). Through Christ, we have RECEIVED THE PROMISED ETERNAL INHERITANCE; dying to SET US FREE from the sins committed under the first covenant. He has DONE AWAY WITH SIN BY THE SACRIFICE OF HIMSELF (9:26).