Embracing the Mercy of Our High Priest

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus, Our Eternal Mediator

The role of Jesus as our high priest is central to our faith, serving as the eternal mediator who reconciles us to God. Unlike the high priests of the Old Testament, whose priesthood was temporary and imperfect, Jesus' priesthood is eternal and perfect. This understanding calls us to engage deeply with Scripture to fully appreciate His role. By studying the Book of Hebrews, we can see how Jesus fulfills the role of the high priest, not just as a theological concept but as a living reality that impacts every aspect of our spiritual lives. His priesthood assures us of a constant and unbreakable connection with God, providing us with the confidence to approach Him with our needs and concerns. [12:34]

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: In what ways can you deepen your understanding of Jesus' role as your high priest this week? How might this understanding change the way you approach God in prayer?

Day 2: Compassionate Intercession

Jesus' high priesthood is characterized by His mercy and compassion. He is actively compassionate, reaching out to those in need, suffering, or struggling. This is not just an emotional response but a deliberate action to aid and support us in our weaknesses. His ministry is not distant or detached; it is deeply personal and involved, touching every area of our lives. As believers, we are encouraged to rely on His compassion, knowing that He understands our struggles and is eager to help us. This assurance allows us to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is both willing and able to provide the support we need. [25:16]

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: Think of a specific struggle or challenge you are facing. How can you invite Jesus' compassionate intercession into this situation today?

Day 3: The Incarnation's Empathy

Jesus' incarnation was necessary for Him to be a merciful high priest. By taking on human flesh, He experienced temptation and suffering, making Him empathetic to our struggles. This shared experience assures us that He understands and is moved by our infirmities. His empathy is not just theoretical; it is rooted in His own experiences of temptation and suffering. This makes Him uniquely qualified to intercede on our behalf, offering not just sympathy but active compassion and aid. As we reflect on His incarnation, we are reminded of the depth of His love and the lengths He went to in order to fully understand and support us. [39:07]

Hebrews 2:17-18 (ESV): "Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people. For because he himself has suffered when tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted."

Reflection: How does knowing that Jesus experienced temptation and suffering change your perspective on your own struggles? How can you lean on His empathy today?

Day 4: The Power of Christ's Sacrifice

The crucifixion of Christ is foundational to His priestly ministry. His sacrifice was once and for all, providing eternal redemption and access to God. This sacrifice is the basis for His ongoing intercession for us, ensuring that we are continually supported and upheld. The power of His sacrifice is not just in its ability to atone for sin but in its ability to transform our relationship with God, allowing us to approach Him with confidence and assurance. As we reflect on the significance of His sacrifice, we are reminded of the depth of His love and the completeness of His work on our behalf. [51:14]

Hebrews 9:12 (ESV): "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: Reflect on the significance of Christ's sacrifice in your life. How does this understanding impact the way you live out your faith daily?

Day 5: Boldly Approaching the Throne

We are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace, especially in times of need. Jesus, our high priest, is not only willing but eager to help us. His ministry is marked by a deep understanding of our struggles and a powerful ability to aid us. This boldness is not based on our own merit but on the assurance of His love and the completeness of His work on our behalf. As we approach the throne of grace, we are reminded of the confidence we have in Him and the assurance that He is both willing and able to meet our needs. [01:04:56]

Hebrews 10:19-22 (ESV): "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you need to approach God with boldness? How can you take a step of faith in that area today?

Sermon Summary

In our gathering tonight, we delve into the profound truth of having a merciful high priest in Jesus Christ. This concept, rooted deeply in the Book of Hebrews, is not just a theological idea but a living reality that impacts every aspect of our spiritual lives. The high priesthood of Christ is a central theme in Hebrews, emphasizing His role as our mediator, intercessor, and the one who reconciles us to God. Unlike the high priests of the Old Testament, who were limited by their humanity and the temporal nature of their sacrifices, Jesus, our high priest, is eternal, perfect, and merciful.

The Book of Hebrews, likely penned by the Apostle Paul, addresses the Jewish believers in Jerusalem, drawing parallels between the Old Testament priesthood and the new covenant established through Christ. The high priest in the Old Testament was a singular figure who entered the Holy of Holies once a year to atone for the sins of the people. This role was a shadow of the ultimate high priesthood of Christ, who, through His incarnation, crucifixion, and resurrection, became the eternal mediator between God and humanity.

Jesus' high priesthood is marked by His compassion and mercy. He understands our weaknesses and temptations because He Himself was tempted in every way, yet without sin. This makes Him uniquely qualified to intercede on our behalf, offering not just sympathy but active compassion and aid. His ministry is not distant or detached; it is deeply personal and involved, touching every area of our lives.

As believers, we are called to consider Jesus as our high priest, to gaze upon Him, and to engage our minds in understanding the depth of His ministry. This involves a return to the Scriptures, both Old and New Testaments, to grasp the full significance of His priesthood. In doing so, we find strength, encouragement, and the assurance that we can boldly approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find help in our time of need.

Key Takeaways

1. The Role of the High Priest: Jesus as our high priest is central to our faith, serving as the mediator who reconciles us to God. His priesthood is eternal and perfect, unlike the temporary and imperfect priesthood of the Old Testament. This understanding calls us to engage deeply with Scripture to fully appreciate His role. [12:34]
2. Mercy and Compassion: Jesus' high priesthood is characterized by His mercy and compassion. He is actively compassionate, reaching out to those in need, suffering, or struggling. This is not just an emotional response but a deliberate action to aid and support us in our weaknesses. [25:16]
3. The Incarnation and Temptation: Jesus' incarnation was necessary for Him to be a merciful high priest. By taking on human flesh, He experienced temptation and suffering, making Him empathetic to our struggles. This shared experience assures us that He understands and is moved by our infirmities. [39:07]
4. The Power of His Sacrifice: The crucifixion of Christ is foundational to His priestly ministry. His sacrifice was once and for all, providing eternal redemption and access to God. This sacrifice is the basis for His ongoing intercession for us, ensuring that we are continually supported and upheld. [51:14]
5. Boldly Approaching the Throne: We are encouraged to come boldly to the throne of grace, especially in times of need. Jesus, our high priest, is not only willing but eager to help us. His ministry is marked by a deep understanding of our struggles and a powerful ability to aid us. [01:04:56]
** [64:56]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[00:10] - Introduction to Hebrews
[00:58] - A Merciful High Priest
[02:41] - The Importance of Prayer
[04:09] - The Role of the High Priest
[06:06] - Understanding Mercy
[07:49] - The Call to Consider Christ
[09:18] - Engaging the Mind
[12:34] - The Old Testament Priesthood
[15:40] - The Necessity of the Incarnation
[18:45] - The Priesthood of All Believers
[22:25] - The Ministry of the High Priest
[25:16] - The Meaning of Mercy
[39:07] - The Incarnation and Temptation
[51:14] - The Power of His Sacrifice
[64:56] - Boldly Approaching the Throne

Bible Study Guide

Bible Study Discussion Guide: A Merciful High Priest

Bible Reading:
- Hebrews 2:17-18
- Hebrews 4:14-16

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Observation Questions:

What does Hebrews 2:17-18 reveal about why Jesus had to be made like His brethren? How does this relate to His role as a merciful high priest? [01:23]
According to Hebrews 4:14-16, what are the characteristics of Jesus as our high priest, and how do these characteristics encourage us to approach the throne of grace? [02:21]
In the sermon, how is the Old Testament high priesthood described as a shadow of Christ's ultimate high priesthood? [12:34]
What specific aspects of Jesus' life and ministry qualify Him to be our high priest, as discussed in the sermon? [39:07]

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Interpretation Questions:

How does the concept of Jesus being a merciful high priest change the way believers understand their relationship with God? [25:16]
In what ways does Jesus' experience of temptation and suffering enhance His ability to intercede for us? How does this impact our view of His compassion? [41:37]
The sermon emphasizes the importance of engaging with Scripture to understand Jesus' high priesthood. Why is this engagement crucial for believers, and how does it affect their faith journey? [13:25]
How does the crucifixion of Christ serve as the foundation for His priestly ministry, and what implications does this have for believers today? [51:14]

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Application Questions:

Reflect on a time when you felt distant from God. How can the understanding of Jesus as a merciful high priest encourage you to approach Him with confidence in your current situation? [01:04:56]
Jesus' high priesthood is marked by His compassion and mercy. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to experience His mercy. How can you invite Him into that area this week? [25:16]
The sermon encourages believers to engage deeply with Scripture. What specific steps can you take to study the Bible more intentionally to understand Jesus' role as your high priest? [13:25]
Consider the role of Jesus' sacrifice in your life. How does His once-and-for-all sacrifice influence your daily walk with God, and how can you live in light of this truth? [51:14]
The sermon highlights the importance of coming boldly to the throne of grace. What practical steps can you take to cultivate a habit of prayer and reliance on Jesus' intercession in your life? [01:04:56]
Jesus understands our weaknesses and temptations. How can this knowledge transform the way you handle your own struggles and temptations? [41:37]
Think of someone in your life who is struggling. How can you, inspired by Jesus' example, show them mercy and compassion this week? [30:26]

Sermon Clips

Wherefore in all things it behooved him that is Christ to be made like unto his Brethren that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to God to make reconciliation for the sins of the people for in that he himself has suffered being tempted he is able to sucker them that are tempted. [00:58:28]

Seeing then that we have a great high priest that is passed into the heaven, Jesus the son of God let us hold fast our profession for we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities but was in all points tempted like as we are yet without sin. [01:11:14]

We have we in this room we have we possess a great high priest at the right hand of the father since that means something that is remarkable tonight and I want this to impact you we have a high priest and you know what as we come to prayer it's through him that we come it's through his blood that we come we have access tonight. [00:28:49]

Saint that's why we pray pray isn't a ritual or a tradition it is a cry I need you I depend on you I call on you I need that Ministry I can't minister to myself I need you at the right hand of the father to minister unto me let's pray together father we thank you that at the right hand of Glory we have a great high priest. [00:31:31]

The Bible says in Hebrews chapter 3 and verse 1 wherefore holy Brethren partakers of the Heavenly calling that's the believer in Christ you're born again you are a partaker of a holy calling if you're saved tonight if you know Jesus as your lord and savior you know what you have a calling on your life it's a holy calling it is a high calling it is an eternal calling. [00:46:57]

The word consider means to gaze to scrutinize to take a long hard stir the word here consider it means to engage your mind to intellectually be alive to stir up your mind to use your mind your thought process we are not of those Christians that say leave your mind at the door oh no that isn't spiritual to merely switch off your brain. [00:56:12]

The Old Testament high priest was a shadow he was a picture he was a lesson from God he is an instrument of teaching and so God for 1500 years he kept appointing High priests anointing them using them constantly when one died another had to be appointed in his place 15 100 years they had to keep raising up a man. [01:08:52]

The concept of priesthood was not our invention we didn't simply create that it was God's idea the high priest and the priesthood has always been God's idea in fact in the old test he wanted the entire nation to be a nation of priests but you know what they rejected it as a nation they said oh no let let Moses go to you. [01:24:45]

Mercy the word mercy used here it means to be hot inside of you to be moved with internal heat the word mercy is a warm word a passionate word a burning word it means inside there is a fire burning within you that wants to show compassion that wants to show mercy and remember Mercy is not deserved I want to tell you like Grace it is unmerited. [01:51:27]

He is able let me break this down as we close the word able means to have power the ability or capability Jesus your high priest in your hour of Temptation has the capability the full ability to sucker you the word sucker used there means to Aid to help to relieve you to lift you to carry you to strengthen you to minister onto you. [01:57:59]

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace that we may obtain mercy and find Grace to help in time of need will you pray as well pray for yourself pray for this preacher let's unite our hearts let's ask God we have we in this room we have we possess a great high priest at the right hand of the father. [00:54:56]

He is able to sucker them that are tempted he is able let me break this down as we close the word able means to have power the ability or capability Jesus your high priest in your hour of Temptation has the capability the full ability to sucker you the word sucker used there means to Aid to help to relieve you to lift you to carry you to strengthen you to minister onto you. [01:57:59]

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Embracing the Mercy of Our High Priest

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus, Our Eternal Mediator

Day 2: Compassionate Intercession

Day 3: The Incarnation's Empathy

Day 4: The Power of Christ's Sacrifice

Day 5: Boldly Approaching the Throne

Sermon Summary

Key Takeaways

Youtube Chapters

Bible Study Guide

Sermon Clips

Chatbot

Embracing the Mercy of Our High Priest

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