Come Our Great High Priest
Notes
Transcript
Would you stand for the reading of God’s word? Todays passage is Hebrews 9:1-14
Now the first covenant also had regulations for ministry and an earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was set up, and in the first room, which is called the holy place, were the lampstand, the table, and the presentation loaves. Behind the second curtain was a tent called the most holy place. It had the gold altar of incense and the ark of the covenant, covered with gold on all sides, in which was a gold jar containing the manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. The cherubim of glory were above the ark overshadowing the mercy seat. It is not possible to speak about these things in detail right now.
With these things prepared like this, the priests enter the first room repeatedly, performing their ministry. But the high priest alone enters the second room, and he does that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was making it clear that the way into the most holy place had not yet been disclosed while the first tabernacle was still standing. This is a symbol for the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshiper’s conscience. They are physical regulations and only deal with food, drink, and various washings imposed until the time of the new order.
But Christ has appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation), he entered the most holy place once for all time, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow, sprinkling those who are defiled, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works so that we can serve the living God?
Pray with me. Go ahead and have a seat.
This week we turn to the forth stanza of O Come Emmanuel, Our great high priest
O come our great High Priest and intercede; Thy sacrifice our only plea; The judgment we no longer fear; Thy precious blood has brought us near
Such a good stanza! So good,
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And I really ought to start this morning with a confession - like I wish for this sermon I could just read the entirety of the Book of Hebrews when it comes to to Jesus as our High Priest. Seriously, if you haven’t read through Hebrews recently, I would just strongly urge you here before Christmas, read through it. It is SO good. Like a good album, like every chapter is just another hit song.
But no worries, my dear friends, I will not read all thirteen chapters this morning - merry christmas.
Jokes aside - the high priestly role of JEsus Christ is of paramount importance for us when it comes to our salvation, redemption, and reconciliation.
For a lot of us gentile believers living two thousand years since Christ, and since the destruction of the temple in Jerusalem, the idea of a jewish high priest is so foreign, and even when we read about the chief priests in the gospels, we don’t always have the insight to appreciate the priestly role of Christ.
Remember, the jewish bible, we call that our old testament - and because of Christ, we are brought into the true vine of God’s people - so this work is in a very real sense, our heritage. For our lord, our king, the founder of our faith, the firstborn of the new human race is Jesus Christ, who is the Jewish messiah, and assumed the high priestly ministry for all those who call on him.
Let’s compare a priest and a prophet first.
We talked about Jesus as the True prophet last sunday - and a key part of the prophetic office is God’s voice coming to man. A Prophet one could say represents God to man. A priest flips is the opposite. a Priest represents man to God
A prophet represents God to man.
A priest represents man to God.
humanity needed prophets and priests because due to sin and the fall there was a great chasm between us and God.
For all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God;
and that separation is what leads to death, darkness, sin, and evil. And it’s a thing we can’t climb out of by ourselves. Like we can’t make ourselves holy. From the very beginning there needed to be sacrifice and atonement. Something needed to take the place.
I think from the very beginning. in Genesis, after Adam and Eve sinned, and God confronts them, and they are cast out - there is a little verse that is so significant. Remember - they eat the fruit, they are filled with shame - and they realize they are naked, so they hide behind bushes. Now after the consequences are laid out and before God casts them from his presence, look at this :
The Lord God made clothing from skins for the man and his wife, and he clothed them.
We can read that on a practical side: “Isn’t God being nice making them clothes” but there is a huge theological foreshadowing here - because God covers them with the skin of an animal. An animal was slain, blood was spilled, and therefore man and woman was covered. Way back in Genesis 3 we see the start of the sacrificial system at Play, with God demonstrating it.
The role of priest wasn’t formalized till after the exodus and the levites. And before than it seems like the father of the household would operate as the priest for their family.
but the hight priest is spelled out in the Mosaic law, to the israelites as they came out of egypt. The high priest is the one who would make atonement for israel. They were the one who stood between the sinful and God, and bring the two together in reconciling.
The High Priest oversaw and directed they entire sacrificial system. He had special clothes, and a crown adorned that he is to be holy unto God. He alone was to go behind the veil in the tabernacle and the temple, and would go and present the offering on the day of atonement.
And God, being holy, and perfect, and powerful - there was quite a bit of work for this high priest to do. That’s what our passage starts with, Let me read through the first 10 verses of hebrews 9 again - pay attention to all the details that were at play for the old covenant ministries. And how there was a separation between the first room, the holy place, and then the second room, the most holy, or the holy of holies.
Now the first covenant also had regulations for ministry and an earthly sanctuary. For a tabernacle was set up, and in the first room, which is called the holy place, were the lampstand, the table, and the presentation loaves. Behind the second curtain was a tent called the most holy place. It had the gold altar of incense and the ark of the covenant, covered with gold on all sides, in which was a gold jar containing the manna, Aaron’s staff that budded, and the tablets of the covenant. The cherubim of glory were above the ark overshadowing the mercy seat. It is not possible to speak about these things in detail right now.
With these things prepared like this, the priests enter the first room repeatedly, performing their ministry. But the high priest alone enters the second room, and he does that only once a year, and never without blood, which he offers for himself and for the sins the people had committed in ignorance. The Holy Spirit was making it clear that the way into the most holy place had not yet been disclosed while the first tabernacle was still standing. This is a symbol for the present time, during which gifts and sacrifices are offered that cannot perfect the worshiper’s conscience. They are physical regulations and only deal with food, drink, and various washings imposed until the time of the new order.
So all priests entered the first room - to do their priestly duties - but they remained behind the veil, because ONLY the high priest was allowed to enter the second room, and ONLY once a year, AND he could never do so without sacrifice for himself and others.
So that he wouldn’t fall down dead as he entered!
And look, it continues, that the Holy Spirit was making it clear that the way into the most holy place had not yet been disclosed! IT was a symbol. And these regulations were imposed until the time of the new order.
And we know, historically speaking, that high priests were not all great. And especially at the time of Jesus, the high priests were regulated by the roman authorities, and it seems were far more interested in wielding political power than in interceding between God and people.
And so the process of needing intercession was ongoing, continual. we as humans would need constant sacrifice - blood spilled on our behalf. And it would need to be a lot of blood - because we are a lot of people - and humans are worth quite a bit.
And now we get to verse 11. Look at verse 11 - 14
But Christ has appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come. In the greater and more perfect tabernacle not made with hands (that is, not of this creation), he entered the most holy place once for all time, not by the blood of goats and calves, but by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. For if the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow, sprinkling those who are defiled, sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself without blemish to God, cleanse our consciences from dead works so that we can serve the living God?
Jesus Christ, born of the Virgin Mary, wrapped in a manger, appears to us. He is God’s son. God incarnate, Emmanuel. He comes to lead us and teach us like a prophet. He comes to reveal the coming kingdom like the dawn. He comes, as a lamb to be slaughtered. He comes to intercede on our behalf because of his great love for us.
For Jesus is God, and infinite in worth, and power, and scope - and if he would lay down his life for us - is it not worth the same infinite amount?
So Jesus doesn’t just go into the tabernacle - but the most holy place in heaven, before the tangible presence of God, and has entered it ONCE AND FOR ALL TIME, and has eternal redemption.
So the high priests of old could go in once a year, then leave - and better be careful so you don’t die - but there was no one in GOd’s presence the rest of the year, right? You had to wait to the next atoning sacrifice.
Not with Christ - he, being perfect and God, is before the throne forever more!
And he offered himself without blemish to God, and our consciences can be cleansed, and we can now serve the living God - not as a slave to pay off a debt - but as sons and daughters of God.
But the fact that Jesus never leaves - he’s there forever is so important. He’s ALWAYS there speaking his blood on our behalf. This is how when we by grace through faith are born again, our sins in the past are forgiven by his blood - but because JEsus is still in the throne room on our behalf, when we sin - he intercedes his blood on that sin, and in the future, when we sin, he does it again - ALL of our sins are covered - because our great high priest is STILL THERE.
Let’s read on, look at verse 15.
Therefore, he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance, because a death has taken place for redemption from the transgressions committed under the first covenant.
In Christ - he is the continual mediator on our behalf - therefore whoever is in Christ is a new creation, no longer under the old covenant - but a part of the new covenant - and the new covenant, as expressed in Jesus words during the last supper - is a covenant of Grace and forgiveness of sins.
We now have complete peace with God, victory over sin.
Let me just read what the Scripture says.
He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.
Ephesians 2:1–10 (CSB)
And you were dead in your trespasses and sins in which you previously walked according to the ways of this world, according to the ruler of the power of the air, the spirit now working in the disobedient. We too all previously lived among them in our fleshly desires, carrying out the inclinations of our flesh and thoughts, and we were by nature children under wrath as the others were also.
But God, who is rich in mercy, because of his great love that he had for us, made us alive with Christ even though we were dead in trespasses. You are saved by grace! He also raised us up with him and seated us with him in the heavens in Christ Jesus, so that in the coming ages he might display the immeasurable riches of his grace through his kindness to us in Christ Jesus.
For you are saved by grace through faith, and this is not from yourselves; it is God’s gift—not from works, so that no one can boast. For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared ahead of time for us to do.
Or how about Romans 8:1-2
Therefore, there is now no condemnation for those in Christ Jesus, because the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus has set you free from the law of sin and death.
Yall - we have such a great high priest. And therefore if you are in Christ - THERE IS NOTHING ELSE TO ATONE FOR!
Okay, let’s ask the question
So What?
Because Jesus is our high priest, and the lamb that was slain - we can have peace with God. And he remains before God, pleading on our behalf.
Therefore: there is no need for another priest, another sacrifice, another mediator.
Who the Son sets free is Free indeed.
And this unleashes just blessing upon blessing on us as believers that satan and the world will try and distract you from.
For example - complete access to God. Well known passage, but let it minister to you: Hebrews 4:14-16
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens—Jesus the Son of God—let us hold fast to our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way as we are, yet without sin. Therefore, let us approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in time of need.
Because of our high priest, and his great empathy for us - we can approach with boldness DO THAT we can receive mercy and grace to help us in our time of need.
Hey! Are you in need? Do you find yourself in pain, anxiety? Friend - we can go before the throne of God RIGHT NOW and ask for mercy and find grace and help.
We have complete access to God, due to the intercession of the son.
Therefore - there is no one else we need to follow. 1 Timothy 2:5
For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus,
We don’t need anyone else. He has shown us the way to life. He is the one mediator.
And ALSO that means there is no need for another human priest. Jesus is our representative to God, and because we are in Christ - we can go straight to the Father
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his possession, so that you may proclaim the praises of the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
So what?
Friend - i can think of no better thing but to just encourage you to throw yourself at JEsus Christ in Faith. He came and lived a perfect a life, died a atoning death, and was resurrected from the dead. He now is before the throne of God pleading on behalf of his people.
And YOU are invited into that fold, into the company of the redeemed, by faith. Trust Jesus. Follow Jesus. Confess him as lord, and be completly redeemed and reconciled to the father.
That means when we come to the table of communion, we don’t come as strangers, with fear and trepidation. We come as Gods children, and we proclaim again the death of Jesus and it’s power over our sin until he comes again to make all things new.
And therefore - you, in Christ, can right now talk to God. And, being filled with the Holy Spirit, he can speak and instruct you. For we are a new creation.
Guys - that’s the stuff. That’ the whole thing. There is no more work to do.
We don’t need to be coy about why we will be admitted into heaven. So often people, even Christian people will say when asked what will ahppen when they die, they’ll say: “Well I hope God will see my heart and how I tried to live a good life and he will count that as goodness and let me in.”
THAT is NOT how the Bible spells that out. The ONLY satisfactory answer is Jesus.
When I die, and I stand before the throne of God, and all my sins are laid out, and I am asked by what merit I come before Gods throne the only thing on my lips will be: “JEsus Christ is my Lord and Savior! I am redeemed by the blood of the lamb. Woe is me, for I am just a sinner, but Christ has died on my behalf and his blood speaks a better word on my behalf than ANYTHING I can give.” And Jesus will be there, with all of the saints, and welcome us in open arms.
There is nothing more to do. There is no more sin to atone for. Jesus is all sufficient.
And therefore, we can go through life with great purpose - proclaiming that truth to others, and great confidence - I am now a child and friend of God. And I have no fear of losing that, because I never earned it. Christ earned it on my behalf, and in a scandulous exchange, offered it to me by grace through faith.
PRAISE GOD!
And so we celebrate communion. We remind ourselves of Jesus sacrifice, NOT to beat ourselves up to obedience - but to celebrate that IT IS FINISHED!
So we turn to the table, 1 Corinthians 11:23-26
For I received from the Lord what I also passed on to you: On the night when he was betrayed, the Lord Jesus took bread, and when he had given thanks, broke it, and said, “This is my body, which is for you. Do this in remembrance of me.”
In the same way also he took the cup, after supper, and said, “This cup is the new covenant in my blood. Do this, as often as you drink it, in remembrance of me.” For as often as you eat this bread and drink the cup, you proclaim the Lord’s death until he comes.
We do this and proclaim to ourselves and others the death of JEsus - remind ourselves and others JESUS IS MORE THAN ENOUGH. HE IS ALIVE. And therefore, I AM ALIVE!
Hallelujah friends!
So therefore, if you are in Christ, if you know JEsus and you have chosen to follow him, you are invited to the table to eat.
Come forward, take a piece of the bread, which is Christs Body, and dip it in the cup, which is his blood, the blood of the new covenant and then eat and you can return to your seat.
Now friend - if you do not know JEsus, if you have not put your faith in Christ - I would encourage you to not come to the table, not cause you’ll be struck down or nothing - but because this meal is for those who know JEsus.
But I want to invite you, to do so right now. If you want to receive the intercessory blood on your behalf, Christ is ready to offer you forgiveness. Students, kids, if you trust JEsus, will you, with your parents, come pray for the forgiveness of sins, and choose to follow JEsus?
Adults - today is the day - follow Christ.
I’ll be in the back, ready to pray with you, and then we can go take communion together.
Let me pray
