Christ: Our Eternal High Priest and Perfect Sacrifice
Summary
In today's gathering, we explored the profound significance of Christ as our greater high priest, a theme that resonates deeply as we approach the Lenten season. Lent, a time of spiritual reflection and preparation, leads us to the pivotal events of the crucifixion and resurrection. While some may choose to observe Lent through traditional practices, the essence lies in preparing our hearts for the celebration of Christ's ultimate sacrifice and victory over death.
The sermon series, "Something Greater Is Here," draws from the Gospels of Matthew and Luke, where Jesus declares that something greater than Jonah and Solomon is present. This statement underscores the unparalleled nature of Christ's ministry and His role as the ultimate priest, prophet, and king. Unlike the temporary ceasefire offered by the law, Christ's sacrifice established a permanent peace treaty between God and humanity.
Christ's priesthood is unique and eternal. Unlike the high priests of old, who offered sacrifices annually, Jesus offered Himself once and for all, securing eternal redemption. His role as our high priest means He is our personal representative before God, understanding our human experience fully, yet without sin. This allows us to approach God's throne with confidence, knowing that we are represented by one who is both merciful and faithful.
The sermon emphasized the permanence of Christ's priesthood. Unlike the 83 high priests who served over 1,600 years, Christ's priesthood is eternal. He lives forever to intercede for us, ensuring that the peace agreement He mediated remains unbroken. This assurance allows us to live with confidence, knowing that our relationship with God is secure.
As we partake in communion, we remember Christ's sacrifice and celebrate the unity we have in Him. Communion is a reminder of the community we share as believers, united by the body and blood of Christ. It is an invitation to all who have accepted Christ, regardless of denominational background, to come and partake in this sacred meal.
Key Takeaways:
- Christ as the Greater High Priest: Christ's role as our high priest is unparalleled. Unlike the temporary ceasefire offered by the law, His sacrifice established a permanent peace treaty between God and humanity, allowing us to approach God with confidence. [43:19]
- Personal Representation: Jesus, fully human yet without sin, serves as our personal representative before God. He understands our struggles and intercedes on our behalf, offering us mercy and grace in our time of need. [47:37]
- Eternal Priesthood: Unlike the high priests of old, Christ's priesthood is eternal. He lives forever to intercede for us, ensuring that the peace agreement He mediated remains unbroken. This assurance allows us to live with confidence. [50:56]
- Perfect Sacrifice: Christ's sacrifice was once and for all, securing eternal redemption. His blood, unlike the blood of goats and calves, is perfect and covers us forever, offering us a permanent relationship with God. [57:07]
- Communion as a Celebration of Unity: Communion is a reminder of the community we share as believers, united by the body and blood of Christ. It is an invitation to all who have accepted Christ to partake in this sacred meal, celebrating the unity we have in Him. [01:14:07]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [00:30] - Introduction to Lent
- [03:15] - The Significance of Passover
- [06:45] - Preaching Calendar Overview
- [10:20] - Series Introduction: Something Greater Is Here
- [14:00] - Christ's Authority and Teachings
- [18:30] - The Pharisees' Challenge
- [22:10] - The Greater Priesthood of Christ
- [26:45] - Christ as Our Personal Representative
- [31:00] - The Role of the High Priest
- [35:20] - Christ's Perfect Sacrifice
- [40:00] - Eternal Redemption Through Christ
- [45:30] - Communion: A Celebration of Unity
- [50:00] - Invitation to Communion
- [55:00] - Closing Blessing and Dismissal
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Hebrews 2:17 - "For this reason he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people."
2. Hebrews 4:14-16 - "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he did not sin. Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."
3. Hebrews 9:12 - "He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption."
Observation Questions:
1. What does it mean for Christ to be our "greater high priest" as described in the sermon? [43:19]
2. How does the sermon describe the difference between the temporary ceasefire of the law and the permanent peace treaty established by Christ? [43:19]
3. According to the sermon, what is the significance of Christ's eternal priesthood compared to the high priests of old? [50:56]
4. How does the sermon explain the role of communion in celebrating the unity of believers? [01:14:07]
Interpretation Questions:
1. How does Christ's role as a personal representative before God impact the way believers approach God, according to the sermon? [47:37]
2. In what ways does the sermon suggest that Christ's sacrifice is perfect and eternal, and how does this affect the believer's relationship with God? [57:07]
3. What does the sermon imply about the confidence believers can have in their relationship with God due to Christ's eternal priesthood? [50:56]
4. How does the sermon describe the significance of Christ's intercession for believers, and what does this mean for their daily lives? [01:08:45]
Application Questions:
1. Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How does understanding Christ as your personal representative change your perspective on approaching God with confidence? [47:37]
2. The sermon emphasizes the permanence of Christ's priesthood. How does this assurance affect your daily walk with God, especially during challenging times? [50:56]
3. Communion is described as a celebration of unity among believers. How can you foster a sense of unity within your own church community, especially with those from different denominational backgrounds? [01:14:07]
4. Consider the idea of Christ's perfect sacrifice. How does this understanding influence the way you view forgiveness and redemption in your own life? [57:07]
5. The sermon highlights Christ's role in interceding for us. How can this knowledge encourage you to bring your needs and struggles to God more openly? [01:08:45]
6. How can you prepare your heart for the Lenten season in a way that honors Christ's ultimate sacrifice and victory over death? [43:19]
7. Reflect on the concept of Christ as the greater prophet, priest, and king. How can you apply this understanding to your personal faith journey and spiritual growth? [43:19]
Devotional
Day 1: Christ's Sacrifice as a Permanent Peace Treaty
Christ's role as our high priest is unparalleled, establishing a permanent peace treaty between God and humanity. Unlike the temporary ceasefire offered by the law, His sacrifice allows us to approach God with confidence. This peace is not just a cessation of hostility but a deep, abiding relationship with God, made possible through Christ's ultimate sacrifice. As we reflect on this, we are reminded that our access to God is not based on our merit but on Christ's finished work. [43:19]
Hebrews 9:11-12 (ESV): "But when Christ appeared as a high priest of the good things that have come, then through the greater and more perfect tent (not made with hands, that is, not of this creation) he entered once for all into the holy places, not by means of the blood of goats and calves but by means of his own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption."
Reflection: In what ways can you live out the peace Christ has secured for you in your daily interactions with others today?
Day 2: Jesus as Our Personal Representative
Jesus, fully human yet without sin, serves as our personal representative before God. He understands our struggles and intercedes on our behalf, offering us mercy and grace in our time of need. This personal representation means that we have someone who knows our weaknesses and advocates for us, ensuring that we receive the help we need. It is a profound comfort to know that we are not alone in our struggles, but have a Savior who is intimately acquainted with our human experience. [47:37]
Hebrews 4:15-16 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: What specific struggle are you facing today that you can bring to Jesus, knowing He understands and intercedes for you?
Day 3: The Eternal Priesthood of Christ
Unlike the high priests of old, Christ's priesthood is eternal. He lives forever to intercede for us, ensuring that the peace agreement He mediated remains unbroken. This assurance allows us to live with confidence, knowing that our relationship with God is secure. The permanence of Christ's priesthood means that we have a constant advocate before the Father, one who is always working on our behalf. This eternal intercession is a source of great hope and stability in our faith journey. [50:56]
Hebrews 7:24-25 (ESV): "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."
Reflection: How does the knowledge of Christ's eternal intercession impact your sense of security in your relationship with God today?
Day 4: The Perfect Sacrifice of Christ
Christ's sacrifice was once and for all, securing eternal redemption. His blood, unlike the blood of goats and calves, is perfect and covers us forever, offering us a permanent relationship with God. This perfect sacrifice means that we no longer need to strive for acceptance or forgiveness; it has already been accomplished through Christ. As we reflect on this truth, we are invited to rest in the assurance of our salvation and live out of the abundance of His grace. [57:07]
Hebrews 10:12-14 (ESV): "But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified."
Reflection: In what ways can you rest in the assurance of Christ's perfect sacrifice today, rather than striving for acceptance?
Day 5: Communion as a Celebration of Unity
Communion is a reminder of the community we share as believers, united by the body and blood of Christ. It is an invitation to all who have accepted Christ to partake in this sacred meal, celebrating the unity we have in Him. This act of communion is not just a ritual, but a profound expression of our shared faith and commitment to one another as the body of Christ. As we partake, we are reminded of the love and sacrifice that binds us together and are encouraged to live out this unity in our daily lives. [01:14:07]
1 Corinthians 10:16-17 (ESV): "The cup of blessing that we bless, is it not a participation in the blood of Christ? The bread that we break, is it not a participation in the body of Christ? Because there is one bread, we who are many are one body, for we all partake of the one bread."
Reflection: How can you actively foster unity within your community of believers today, reflecting the unity we have in Christ?
Quotes
And the law provided for a ceasefire that needed to be reenacted every year, one day a year, called the Holy Day of Atonement. There was never a peace accord ever developed that lasted between God and Israel. That's why they were given the law. That's why one day every year, the high priest would enter the Holy of Holies with the blood of an unblemished lamb or calf and sprinkle it on the mercy seat. And God would acknowledge the faith expressed and say, okay, I will sustain the ceasefire for one more year. [00:43:19] (33 seconds)
Then Christ came and he literally negotiated a peace treaty, an irrevocable peace treaty. And when he entered the throne room with all the hostility of humanity towards God and all the hatred of God towards sin, he actually was able to bring about what did not happen the other day. That's why he is the greater priest. [00:43:56] (28 seconds)
And so today we're gonna look at the book of Hebrews, a couple of different verses and a couple chapters, and understand that he is your personal representative. He paid the perfect price to produce this peace. And it shall permanently exist for those who are in Christ. That makes him by far the greater priest. [00:45:30] (23 seconds)
The book of Hebrews chapter 2, as we talk about him being our personal representative, says this, for this reason, he had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest and service to God. In other words, he became like us so that he could understand everything about us and everything there was to be us. [00:45:50] (24 seconds)
It would be incorrect to think that there was anything about the human experience that could be said that Jesus did not experience, except committing sin. That's it. He even experienced the full consequences of sin. He experienced more consequences for your sin than you did. You paid temporary consequences. He experienced eternal condemnation for you as your personal representative. [00:46:29] (30 seconds)
And that's how we're represented. If he's your personal rep, he's the faithful high priest in service to God. The high priest was the one who, once a year, once a year, the high priest was allowed to go into the Holy of Holies. No one else. Just one time a year on the Day of Atonement, which always falls mid to late September at the latest early October. [00:48:37] (22 seconds)
When he walked into the Holy of Holies, he took you and me with him. Therefore, since we have a great high priest who ascended into heaven, Jesus said, Jesus said, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we possess. See, the high priest, when they die, right, their reign is over. Christ ascended into heaven. [00:50:56] (22 seconds)
And that should elevate our level of confidence. Okay? Because it's a permanent, personal representative who's there so that you can continue to receive mercy and grace in your hour of need. Every high priest is selected from among the people, Jesus included, and is appointed, Jesus included, to represent the people. Exactly. In matters related to God. [00:53:35] (28 seconds)
Because your advocate's already in the room. And he goes in there to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. And we'll see this in a second. He's able to deal gently with those who are ignorant. I'm not saying we are. And are going astray since he himself is subject. I'm not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not saying we're not I don't know. [00:55:07] (17 seconds)
He knows exactly what it's like to have to walk this earth with the fear of death. And you're like, I'm not so sure, really. Look in the Garden of Gethsemane, and when he is sweating blood out of his forehead, that's because he knows of his impending death. And that is, I mean, not unbiblical fear, it's that anxiety that he's so wrought with. [00:56:47] (25 seconds)
He knows it, but when he died, what he did is he won, and he broke the stranglehold of the fear of death. I promise you, I do not fear death. I don't. I fear the process of dying sometimes, right? Because that can be grueling, that can be painful, I mean, this body, this container can leave very, very, very slowly. [00:57:07] (25 seconds)
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