Embracing Change: Finding Hope in Christ's Priesthood
Big Changes Better Hope
Summary
Big changes in life often bring uncertainty, but they can also usher in a better hope. Reflecting on my own journey—moving my family, starting over in a new place, and stepping into ministry—I see how God uses upheaval to draw us closer to Him and to reveal something greater. The book of Hebrews, especially chapter 7:11-19, speaks to a similar kind of transformation for the early Jewish Christians. They were being called to leave behind the familiar Levitical priesthood and the law, stepping into the new and better hope found in Jesus, our perfect high priest.
The Levitical priesthood and the law were never meant to be the final answer. They served a purpose: to reveal our sin, to teach us about atonement, and to point us toward our need for a Savior. But they were insufficient—they could not fully cleanse the conscience, nor could they bring us into true closeness with God. The sacrifices had to be repeated, and the system itself kept people at a distance from the Holy One. Even the Day of Atonement only provided temporary relief, not lasting reconciliation.
But God had always planned something better. The mysterious figure of Melchizedek, mentioned only briefly in Genesis and Psalms, foreshadowed a new kind of priesthood—one not based on ancestry or ritual, but on the power of an indestructible life. Jesus, descended from Judah and not Levi, fulfills this promise. His resurrection proves His priesthood is eternal and unbreakable. He is the one who offers a once-for-all sacrifice, making a way for us to be truly forgiven and to draw near to God.
This better hope means we are no longer separated by rituals, priests, or temples. We have 24/7 access to Jesus, who intercedes for us and invites us to come boldly to the throne of grace. Our hope is not just for this life, but for eternity—an indestructible hope rooted in Christ’s victory over death. In every big change, every challenge, we are called to trust, to believe, and to draw near, knowing that our high priest is more than sufficient for every need.
Key Takeaways
- The insufficiency of the old system reveals our need for Christ. The law and Levitical priesthood were never designed to perfect us or bring us into full relationship with God. They served as a mirror, exposing our sin and our inability to save ourselves, and as a tutor, pointing us to the necessity of a greater Savior. Recognizing this insufficiency humbles us and prepares our hearts to receive the grace that only Jesus can provide. [14:31]
- Jesus’ priesthood is based on the power of an indestructible life. Unlike the priests of old, whose ministries ended in death, Jesus’ resurrection demonstrates that His priesthood is eternal and unshakable. This means our access to God is never interrupted, and our hope is anchored in the living Christ who conquered death and intercedes for us forever. [27:02]
- The new covenant offers true closeness with God. No longer are we kept at a distance by rituals, intermediaries, or sacred spaces. Through Jesus, God’s law is written on our hearts, and we are invited into a personal, yet public, relationship with Him. This intimacy is the fulfillment of God’s promise and the deepest longing of every soul. [32:32]
- Faith is the key to experiencing this better hope. It is not enough to know about Jesus’ priesthood; we must actively trust Him, especially in times of big change or challenge. Faith means believing that the One who has conquered death is able and willing to help us in our daily struggles, and that prayer is our first and best response, not our last resort. [36:17]
- Our perseverance and trust in Christ become a testimony to others. When we remain steadfast—rooted in community, devoted in prayer, recalling God’s past faithfulness, and honest in our struggles—we not only experience God’s sustaining grace, but we also bear witness to His power. Our lives become living proof of the indestructible hope we have in Jesus, drawing others to seek Him as well. [41:00]
Why
Jesus is our Perfect High Priest
Big Change – The
Levitical Priesthood is insufficient. vs.11-14
Better Hope
– The
Melchizedek Priesthood is more than sufficient. vs.15-19
who has
become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily
descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. Hebrews 7:16
(ESV)
Applications
1.
We must go to God in faith, believing that since he has
an indestructible life, he can and will help us in our daily lives.
2.
How are you utilizing the fact that you have 24/7 access to Jesus?
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. Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide: Big Changes, Better Hope
Hebrews 7:11-19 (ESV)
> 11 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron?
> 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.
> 13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar.
> 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.
> 15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek,
> 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.
> 17 For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”
> 18 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness
> 19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
Observation Questions
1. According to Hebrews 7:11-12, what does the author say happens when there is a change in the priesthood? Why is this significant for the law?
2. What is unique about Jesus’ priesthood compared to the Levitical priesthood, based on verses 15-16?
3. In the sermon, what were some of the limitations of the old system (the law and Levitical priesthood) that the pastor highlighted? [[14:31]]
4. What does the phrase “by the power of an indestructible life” mean in the context of Jesus’ priesthood? [[27:02]]
Interpretation Questions
1. Why do you think God allowed the old system (law and Levitical priesthood) to exist if it was ultimately insufficient? How did it prepare people for Jesus? [[14:31]]
2. The sermon mentions that the old system kept people at a distance from God. What does it mean that Jesus now gives us “24/7 access” to God? How is this different from before? [[32:32]]
3. The pastor described Jesus’ priesthood as “eternal and unbreakable.” How does this truth affect the way believers can approach God with their needs and struggles? [[27:02]]
4. The sermon says faith is the key to experiencing this better hope. Why is it not enough to just know about Jesus’ priesthood? What does active faith look like in times of big change? [[36:17]]
Application Questions
1. The pastor shared about a big move and starting over, and how God used that upheaval to draw him closer. Can you think of a big change or challenge in your life where you saw God at work, even if it was hard at the time? How did it affect your faith? [[01:35]]
2. The old system was described as a “mirror” that shows us our sin and our need for a Savior. Is there an area in your life right now where you feel your own insufficiency or need for God’s grace? How can you bring that honestly to Jesus this week? [[14:31]]
3. The sermon emphasized that Jesus’ sacrifice was “once for all” and that we don’t need to keep trying to earn forgiveness. Are there ways you still try to “earn” God’s approval or forgiveness? What would it look like to rest in what Jesus has already done? [[19:47]]
4. The pastor talked about “24/7 access” to Jesus. What are some practical ways you can take advantage of this access in your daily life—at work, at home, or in moments of stress? [[44:19]]
5. One of the key takeaways was that our perseverance and trust in Christ become a testimony to others. Can you think of someone who has been encouraged by your faith during a hard time? Or is there someone you know who needs to see that hope in you right now? [[41:00]]
6. The sermon listed characteristics of believers who “stick it out”—like being connected to church, having a devotional life, and remembering God’s past faithfulness. Which of these do you find most challenging? What is one step you could take this week to grow in that area? [[39:10]]
7. The pastor said that prayer should be our “first and best response, not our last resort.” When you face a problem, what is usually your first response? How can you make prayer a more natural and immediate part of your reaction to challenges? [[36:17]]
Devotional
Day 1: Jesus, Our Perfect High Priest, Brings a Better Hope
The old Levitical priesthood and the law were insufficient to bring true perfection or closeness to God, but Jesus, as our perfect high priest in the order of Melchizedek, introduces a better hope through which we can draw near to God. The old system, with its rituals and sacrifices, could never fully cleanse the conscience or grant direct access to God, but now, through Jesus, we are invited into a relationship where we can approach God with confidence and assurance. This better hope is not based on our ability to keep the law, but on the finished work of Christ, who has made a way for us to know God personally and intimately. No longer are we kept at a distance; we are called to draw near, trusting in the sufficiency of Jesus’ sacrifice and the hope He brings. [07:40]
Hebrews 7:18-19 (ESV)
“For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.”
Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have felt distant from God? How can you intentionally draw near to Him today, trusting in the better hope Jesus provides?
Day 2: The Law Reveals Our Need for a Savior
The law was given to show us our sin and our need for atonement, acting as a teacher that points us to Christ, but it could never fully cleanse us or give us new spiritual life. The law’s purpose was to make us aware of our shortcomings and to highlight our inability to save ourselves, ultimately leading us to recognize our need for Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. By understanding the law’s role, we see that it was never meant to be the end, but a guide that brings us to the foot of the cross, where true forgiveness and transformation are found in Christ alone. [14:31]
Romans 7:7-8 (ESV)
“What then shall we say? That the law is sin? By no means! Yet if it had not been for the law, I would not have known sin. For I would not have known what it is to covet if the law had not said, ‘You shall not covet.’ But sin, seizing an opportunity through the commandment, produced in me all kinds of covetousness. For apart from the law, sin lies dead.”
Reflection: Is there a specific commandment or teaching from Scripture that has recently made you aware of a sin or area of growth? How can you bring this honestly before Jesus today, trusting Him for forgiveness and change?
Day 3: Jesus’ Indestructible Life Secures Our Salvation
Jesus is our high priest forever, not because of human lineage, but by the power of an indestructible life—His resurrection from the dead guarantees our eternal hope and access to God. Unlike the priests of old, whose ministry ended with death, Jesus’ priesthood is eternal, and His victory over death means that nothing can separate us from His love or His ability to intercede for us. This indestructible life is the foundation of our living hope, assuring us that Jesus is always present, always able, and always willing to help us in our time of need. [27:02]
Romans 1:4 (ESV)
“…and was declared to be the Son of God in power according to the Spirit of holiness by his resurrection from the dead, Jesus Christ our Lord.”
Reflection: When you face challenges or doubts, how does remembering Jesus’ resurrection and indestructible life change the way you approach your problems today?
Day 4: We Have 24/7 Access to God Through Christ
Because of Jesus’ once-for-all sacrifice and eternal priesthood, we now have constant, unhindered access to God—anytime, anywhere, in every circumstance. No longer do we need a human mediator or a special place to meet with God; through Christ, the way is open, and we are invited to come boldly to the throne of grace for mercy and help. This access is a privilege and a lifeline, especially in times of big changes or overwhelming challenges, reminding us that God is always near and always listening. [44:19]
Hebrews 4:16 (ESV)
“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 is one specific situation or burden you are carrying right now? Take a moment to pray honestly to God about it, making use of your 24/7 access to His throne of grace.
Day 5: Faith in Christ Sustains Us Through Every Change
Faith is the assurance of hope and the conviction of things not seen; it is by faith that we hold fast to Jesus, trusting that He is able to do far more than we can imagine, even when life brings big changes or uncertainties. This faith is not passive but active—choosing to believe God’s promises, remembering His past faithfulness, and relying on His strength in our weakness. As we walk by faith, we become living testimonies of God’s power and grace, encouraging others to trust Him as well. [38:20]
Hebrews 11:1 (ESV)
“Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen.”
Reflection: Think back to a time when God showed up for you in a difficult season. How can you let that memory fuel your faith and hope as you face today’s challenges?
Quotes
And so the idea here that this total cleansing of consciousness that's what we needed. That's what needed to be done through an atonement. And even the atonement of the special one day of year, the Day of Atonement, Yom Kippur, right? We talked about that and studied that. That one day when the high priest went into the Holy of Holies, okay, and sacrificed for his sin and then sacrificed for the sin of all of Israel, it was only good for one year. It was only good for one year. Then he had to go back and do the whole thing over again. And so there was essentially no true clearing of consciousness when it came to sin. But the Melchizedek high priest, Jesus, well, he accomplished it. He accomplished a one and all sacrifice for our sins. Say amen, because that's a good thing.
[00:19:36]
(59 seconds)
#TotalCleansingThroughAtonement
``Let me just be real clear. It is one and done. And I thought about that idea, and I thought of one of my favorite verses in Scripture is 1 John 1, 9, right? If I confess my sin, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and cleanse us from all unrighteousness. You know why it doesn't read that if I confess my sin and I bring an offering to the temple? It doesn't read that, does it? He says, just simply, if I confess my sin, he, Jesus, is faithful to forgive us our sins, to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. The sacrifice is done.
[00:21:07]
(38 seconds)
#OneAndDoneSacrifice
Jesus is our perfect Melchizedek high priest. He paid our sin debt once and for all, and it makes him much, much better than the Levitical priesthood and the law itself. In fact, Jesus said himself that he didn't come to abolish the law. He fulfilled it.
[00:30:17]
(22 seconds)
#FulfilledNotAbolished
But on the other hand, he says, a better hope is introduced through which we draw near to God. A better hope so we can draw near to God. Jesus, our high priest, gives us this better hope, so much better than that that came through the Levitical priesthood.
[00:31:04]
(19 seconds)
#BetterHopeDrawsNear
There is no longer separation between God and his people. There were priests, there were high priests, there were temples, there was courts, there was animal sacrifices, there was holy places, there was holy of holy places. All those things kept us away from God. But Jesus calls us near. He calls us near.
[00:34:02]
(23 seconds)
#NoSeparationInChrist
Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we might receive mercy and find grace to help in our time of need. You know why he wrote that? Because Jesus left the glories of heaven and dwelt and walked among us. He could sympathize with our weaknesses. So now we have a high priest who is far beyond any, any Levitical high priest, one that came from heaven, one that has walked the earth, and one that we are called to go to, to find grace and mercy in our time of need.
[00:34:34]
(37 seconds)
#ConfidenceToApproachGod
How are you utilizing the fact that you have 24 -7 access to Jesus? Are you taking advantage of the fact that you have 24 -7 access to Jesus? So when you're driving down the road and something happens, you're praying. You're in your house, you're praying. You're praying at church, I know that. But in every other places, there's no time when God is not listening to you or able to listen to you. And this means that essentially at any time, in any place, you can trust Jesus for your salvation.
[00:43:58]
(43 seconds)
#JesusOurConstantIntercessor
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