Frankincense: The Holiness and Compassion of Christ
Summary
The sermon today focused on the profound significance of the gifts brought to Jesus by the wise men, particularly the gift of frankincense, which symbolizes the priestliness and holiness of Jesus. As we transition to becoming the Bridge Community Church, our mission remains centered on finding redemption and restoration in Jesus Christ. The story of the wise men and their gifts serves as a reminder of the deep spiritual truths embedded in the Christmas narrative. Frankincense, an oil used by priests during sacrifices, represents the holiness of Jesus and His role as our great high priest. This gift underscores the dual nature of Jesus' mission: to bridge the gap between the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity.
The sermon emphasized the importance of understanding the holiness of God to truly grasp the gravity of sin. Sin is not merely a mistake; it is a fundamental breach in our relationship with God. The holiness of God demands justice, yet His mercy offers forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus. This duality of justice and mercy is beautifully encapsulated in the new covenant established through Jesus' sacrifice, which is eternal and sufficient for all time.
Jesus, our high priest, understands our weaknesses and sympathizes with our struggles. He experienced the full range of human emotions and trials, making Him a compassionate and empathetic Savior. We are encouraged to approach His throne boldly, bringing our burdens and sins to Him, knowing that He offers grace and mercy in our time of need. This Christmas season, let us remember the profound gift of Jesus, who bridges the gap between us and God, offering us redemption and restoration.
Key Takeaways:
- The Significance of Frankincense: Frankincense symbolizes the priestliness and holiness of Jesus. It was used by priests during sacrifices, representing the prayers of the people rising to God. This gift highlights Jesus' role as our great high priest, bridging the gap between the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity. [28:46]
- Understanding God's Holiness: To truly grasp the gravity of sin, we must understand the holiness of God. Sin is not just a mistake; it is a breach in our relationship with God. Recognizing God's holiness helps us appreciate the cost of our forgiveness, which was paid by Jesus' sacrifice. [34:21]
- The New Covenant Through Jesus: Jesus' sacrifice established a new covenant, offering eternal forgiveness and bridging the gap between God's justice and mercy. Unlike the old covenant, which required repeated sacrifices, Jesus' sacrifice is once and for all, satisfying God's justice and extending mercy to us. [38:25]
- Jesus, Our Empathetic High Priest: Jesus understands our weaknesses and sympathizes with our struggles because He experienced the full range of human emotions and trials. We can approach His throne boldly, knowing that He offers grace and mercy in our time of need. [42:30]
- Approaching God Boldly: We are encouraged to come to God just as we are, without fear or hesitation. Jesus' sacrifice allows us to approach God's throne with confidence, bringing our burdens and sins to Him, and receiving His grace and mercy. [47:41]
Youtube Chapters:
- [00:00] - Welcome
- [22:12] - Introduction to the Backpack Ministry
- [24:24] - The Gifts of the Wise Men
- [28:46] - The Significance of Frankincense
- [34:21] - Understanding God's Holiness
- [38:25] - The New Covenant Through Jesus
- [42:30] - Jesus, Our Empathetic High Priest
- [47:41] - Approaching God Boldly
- [48:44] - Jesus' Human Experience
- [52:58] - Bringing Our Burdens to Jesus
- [54:55] - Prayer and Reflection
- [55:46] - Jesus as Our Provider
- [56:28] - Finding Comfort in Jesus
- [57:11] - Invitation to Salvation
- [58:54] - Closing and Announcements
Study Guide
Bible Study Discussion Guide
Bible Reading:
1. Matthew 2:10-11
2. Hebrews 4:14-16
3. Hebrews 10:8-17
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Observation Questions:
1. What gifts did the wise men bring to Jesus, and what is the significance of each gift according to the sermon? [24:24]
2. How does the sermon describe the role of frankincense in the context of Jesus' priestliness and holiness? [28:46]
3. According to Hebrews 4:14-16, what qualities make Jesus our great high priest, and how does this relate to His understanding of our weaknesses? [42:30]
4. What does the sermon say about the new covenant established through Jesus' sacrifice, and how does it differ from the old covenant? [38:25]
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Interpretation Questions:
1. How does the symbolism of frankincense as a representation of Jesus' priestliness and holiness deepen our understanding of His role as a mediator between God and humanity? [28:46]
2. In what ways does understanding God's holiness change our perception of sin and its impact on our relationship with God? [34:21]
3. How does the new covenant through Jesus' sacrifice provide a more complete and eternal solution to sin compared to the old covenant? [38:25]
4. What does it mean for believers to approach God's throne boldly, and how does this reflect our relationship with Jesus as our high priest? [47:41]
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Application Questions:
1. Reflect on the significance of the gifts brought by the wise men. How can you offer your own "gifts" to Jesus in your daily life, symbolizing your devotion and worship? [24:24]
2. Consider the dual nature of Jesus' mission as both just and merciful. How can you embody these qualities in your interactions with others this week? [34:21]
3. Jesus understands our weaknesses and sympathizes with our struggles. How can this truth encourage you to bring your burdens to Him more openly and honestly? [42:30]
4. The sermon emphasizes approaching God boldly. What fears or hesitations might be holding you back from doing so, and how can you overcome them? [47:41]
5. Reflect on the new covenant established through Jesus' sacrifice. How does this understanding impact your view of forgiveness and grace in your own life? [38:25]
6. Identify a specific area in your life where you need to experience God's grace and mercy. What steps can you take to invite Jesus into that situation? [56:28]
7. How can the story of the wise men and their gifts inspire you to seek deeper spiritual truths in the Christmas narrative this season? [24:24]
Devotional
Day 1: The Priestliness of Jesus Through Frankincense
The gift of frankincense brought by the wise men to Jesus holds profound spiritual significance. Frankincense, an aromatic resin used in religious rituals, symbolizes the priestly role of Jesus. It was traditionally used by priests during sacrifices, representing the prayers of the people rising to God. This gift highlights Jesus' unique position as our great high priest, bridging the gap between the holiness of God and the sinfulness of humanity. By understanding this symbolism, we can appreciate the depth of Jesus' mission to reconcile us with God. His priestly role is not just a historical fact but a present reality, inviting us to engage with Him as our mediator and intercessor. [28:46]
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."
Reflection: How does recognizing Jesus as your high priest change the way you approach God in prayer today?
Day 2: Grasping the Gravity of Sin Through God's Holiness
Understanding the holiness of God is crucial to comprehending the gravity of sin. Sin is not merely a mistake or a minor flaw; it is a fundamental breach in our relationship with God. God's holiness demands justice, yet His mercy offers forgiveness through the sacrifice of Jesus. This duality of justice and mercy is beautifully encapsulated in the new covenant established through Jesus' sacrifice, which is eternal and sufficient for all time. Recognizing God's holiness helps us appreciate the cost of our forgiveness, which was paid by Jesus' sacrifice. [34:21]
Isaiah 6:3-5 (ESV): "And one called to another and said: 'Holy, holy, holy is the Lord of hosts; the whole earth is full of his glory!' And the foundations of the thresholds shook at the voice of him who called, and the house was filled with smoke. And I said: 'Woe is me! For I am lost; for I am a man of unclean lips, and I dwell in the midst of a people of unclean lips; for my eyes have seen the King, the Lord of hosts!'"
Reflection: In what ways can you cultivate a deeper awareness of God's holiness in your daily life, and how might this awareness impact your understanding of sin?
Day 3: The New Covenant of Eternal Forgiveness
Jesus' sacrifice established a new covenant, offering eternal forgiveness and bridging the gap between God's justice and mercy. Unlike the old covenant, which required repeated sacrifices, Jesus' sacrifice is once and for all, satisfying God's justice and extending mercy to us. This new covenant is a profound gift, ensuring that we are no longer bound by the law but are free to live in the grace and mercy of God. It invites us to live in the freedom and assurance of God's eternal forgiveness, knowing that our sins are covered by the blood of Christ. [38:25]
Jeremiah 31:33-34 (ESV): "For this is the covenant that I will make with the house of Israel after those days, declares the Lord: I will put my law within them, and I will write it on their hearts. And I will be their God, and they shall be my people. And no longer shall each one teach his neighbor and each his brother, saying, ‘Know the Lord,’ for they shall all know me, from the least of them to the greatest, declares the Lord. For I will forgive their iniquity, and I will remember their sin no more."
Reflection: How does the assurance of eternal forgiveness through Jesus' sacrifice influence your relationship with God and others today?
Day 4: Jesus, Our Empathetic High Priest
Jesus, our high priest, understands our weaknesses and sympathizes with our struggles. He experienced the full range of human emotions and trials, making Him a compassionate and empathetic Savior. This understanding allows us to approach His throne boldly, bringing our burdens and sins to Him, knowing that He offers grace and mercy in our time of need. Jesus' empathy is not distant or theoretical; it is deeply personal and transformative, inviting us to find comfort and strength in His presence. [42:30]
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: What specific struggles or burdens can you bring to Jesus today, trusting in His empathy and understanding?
Day 5: Approaching God with Boldness
We are encouraged to come to God just as we are, without fear or hesitation. Jesus' sacrifice allows us to approach God's throne with confidence, bringing our burdens and sins to Him, and receiving His grace and mercy. This boldness is not based on our own merit but on the finished work of Christ, who has made a way for us to enter into the presence of God. As we approach God boldly, we are reminded of the profound gift of Jesus, who bridges the gap between us and God, offering us redemption and restoration. [47:41]
Ephesians 3:12 (ESV): "In whom we have boldness and access with confidence through our faith in him."
Reflection: What fears or hesitations do you need to overcome to approach God boldly today, and how can you take a step towards doing so?
Quotes
"Whatever you're going through today jesus understands why because he's been there he's been there so if you're stressed right now if you're overwhelmed know this that in the garden of gethsemane when when all of his friends fell asleep jesus knew what was coming and what did he do he fell to the ground and he said my soul is overwhelmed with agony to the point of death jesus was overwhelmed he knows when you're overwhelmed and he understands when you're overwhelmed if you face anxiety this morning he understands you know jesus was conceived out of wedlock you you to a teenage mom scandalous right scandalous raised in a small town my guess would be that other parents wouldn't want their sons or daughters to play with jesus he was just that little bastard boy with no father." [00:45:27] (68 seconds)
"Think about the details of God in the beginning was the word and the word was with God and the word became flesh think about the details of God God was Jesus was born God excuse me was born in the form of a child and in his divine promise he was born in the form of a child from providence he prophetically declared the nature of jesus to come well how do you do that carl well he brought gold he's our king he brought myrrh to him he's a suffering servant he's the lamb of god he brought frankincense he is our high priest who was sacrificed for our sin this is why the bible is so important when it tells us in hebrews 4 so let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious god how do we come to his throne boldly one more time how do we come to his throne boldly come boldly to him because he cares you can come boldly to his throne because he understands so let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious god there we will receive his what his mercy because he cares because his justice will be satisfied he can extend his mercy all the time jesus satisfied god's justice and he lived god's mercy what else will we find when we come boldly to the throne well we're going to find grace when we need it the most grace when we need it the most and if you don't understand that grace when we need it the most and if you don't understand anything else that i've said this morning i hope you understand this that you can come boldly just like you are to the throne of god you don't have to clean up you don't have to dress up you don't have to light up you don't have to do anything you just come just as you are you don't have to cower when you come to christ you don't have to be afraid when you come to christ just like when your children come to you if you've had children i can remember back when the girls were little and i'd come home from work and all of a sudden i'd hear from the other side of the house daddy and they'd run and just grab me and you know why because they knew i accepted them they knew i loved them in fact they they didn't even give it a second thought and that's exactly what you and i can do to our savior." [00:52:02] (166 seconds)
"If you're hurting today we want to give him our hurts don't we if you're struggling today we're going to give him our struggles if you're in pain today we're going to give him our pain why because he understands he understands if you feel ashamed today we're going to give him our shame let's give him our shame let's give him our pain i don't think there's a one in here that would say i'm not going to give him my pain let's say you know what my life is perfect nothing going wrong no challenges no hurt no pain no heartache i think everybody in here has just some little hurt and no matter what it is we're going to bring it to jesus right now can we do that." [00:56:28] (76 seconds)
"He's the high priest who's your Savior. If you're struggling financially and the weight of the world seems to be on your shoulder, there's so many expenses and not enough resources, just tell him, God, I'm afraid. I'm afraid. I'm hurting. Jesus, the high priest, he's your provider. He's Jehovah Jireh, your provider. He will meet all of your needs according to his riches in heaven." [00:55:46] (28 seconds)
"Cast your cares on him because he cares for you. Amen. Amen. Amen. Whether your high priest is your comforter. He's been where you've been. He's hurts. He hurt like you hurt. Cry out to him. You're tired. Maybe you're worn out. You're overwhelmed, exhausted. Feel like he can't hold it together. Or maybe you're completely weak and completely broken this morning. He understands your weakness. He's your high priest." [00:57:11] (39 seconds)
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