Gifts

Gift of Frankincense Week Two: The Gift of Frankincense

• Main Scripture: Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 8:1-7, 13; Hebrews 4:14-16

• Bottom Line: Jesus is our High Priest Ps 110:4

Psalm 110:4 ESV

The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 8:1–7 (ESV)

Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man. For every high priest is appointed to offer gifts and sacrifices; thus it is necessary for this priest also to have something to offer. Now if he were on earth, he would not be a priest at all, since there are priests who offer gifts according to the law. They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. For when Moses was about to erect the tent, he was instructed by God, saying, “See that you make everything according to the pattern that was shown you on the mountain.” But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better, since it is enacted on better promises. For if that first covenant had been faultless, there would have been no occasion to look for a second.

Hebrews 4:14–16 ESV

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. 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. 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.

Small Group Questions:

1. Explain the importance of Jesus as our High Priest.

Discuss what a Priest would typically do in Judaism. (Mediator between God and His people).

Made sacrifices for the people on their behalf; were the only ones “holy” enough to reach the inner parts of the temple of God where he was literally present.

They interceded for people by sacrificing

Jesus is now our intercessor

The practice of praying on behalf of another.

Hebrews 7:22–28 (ESV)

This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.

The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 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.

For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 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. 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.

“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.”

He makes intercession for us

He’s a better priest than ever before

What does it mean to us?

2. What's the difference between the old covenant and the new covenant?

Point to some of the things Jews couldn't do vs things that are permissible as Christians. (Ex: Asking God for

forgiveness).

Before Jesus…

Only certain people are able to be present with Him

Sacrificing of animals

Laws

People being struck dead

Laws with food

Laws with sabbath

Being “unclean”

After Jesus…

Access to the father anytime anywhere

Hebrews 4:14–16 MSG

Now that we know what we have—Jesus, this great High Priest with ready access to God—let’s not let it slip through our fingers. We don’t have a priest who is out of touch with our reality. He’s been through weakness and testing, experienced it all—all but the sin. So let’s walk right up to him and get what he is so ready to give. Take the mercy, accept the help.

Freedom on Earth, punishment/reward for eternity

Jesus as our sacrifice and leader

Unconditional grace/mercy/love

We can ask for His help.

3. What keeps us from drawing near to God?

Distractions from God

Fear

Ignorance, not understanding, or knowing

4. How can you draw near to God this week?