Jesus: Our Eternal High Priest and Perfect Savior

Devotional

Day 1: Jesus Guarantees a Better Covenant

Jesus is the guarantor of a new and better covenant, established by God's unbreakable oath, which surpasses the old system and offers us a permanent relationship with God. Unlike earthly guarantees that fail or expire, Jesus’ priesthood is forever, and His promise is backed by God Himself—there is no fine print, no expiration, and no replacement needed. The old priesthood was temporary and required constant succession, but Jesus remains our High Priest eternally, ensuring stability and security for all who trust in Him. This new covenant, sealed by His blood, means forgiveness and a personal relationship with God are available to all who draw near through Christ. [11:19]

Hebrews 7:20-22 (ESV)
"And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: 'The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, "You are a priest forever."' This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant."

Reflection: What is one area of your life where you have relied on temporary or unreliable guarantees? How can you intentionally trust Jesus’ unbreakable promise as your High Priest today?

Day 2: Jesus Provides Complete Salvation

Jesus saves to the uttermost, offering a salvation that is total, eternal, and leaves nothing unpaid or unfinished—He covers every sin, every debt, and continually sanctifies those who draw near to God through Him. No matter how great the burden or how deep the stain, Christ’s sacrifice is sufficient, and His saving work is ongoing, not just a one-time event but a perpetual act of grace and transformation. This salvation is not partial or dependent on our efforts; it is a gift received by faith, and Jesus’ intercession ensures that nothing can separate us from God’s love. To experience this, we must draw near to Him, believing and embracing the truth of His finished work. [17:17]

Hebrews 7:25 (ESV)
"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: Is there a sin or regret you feel is “too much” for Jesus to forgive? Bring it honestly to Him in prayer today, trusting that He saves you to the uttermost.

Day 3: Jesus Always Intercedes for Us

Jesus continually prays and intercedes for believers at the right hand of God, perfecting our prayers and presenting them before the Father, even when our words or focus fall short. Unlike us, who are distracted or imperfect in prayer, Jesus never tires, never forgets, and never fails to pray for us—He takes our feeble offerings and, like a loving parent, removes the weeds so that only the beauty remains before God. This ongoing intercession means we are never alone or unheard; Christ Himself is our advocate, ensuring that our needs and hearts are always before the Father. Let this truth draw you closer to Him and encourage you to pray boldly, knowing He perfects every prayer. [23:08]

Romans 8:26 (ESV)
"Likewise the Spirit helps us in our weakness. For we do not know what to pray for as we ought, but the Spirit himself intercedes for us with groanings too deep for words."

Reflection: When you feel inadequate or distracted in prayer, how can you remind yourself that Jesus is interceding for you? Try beginning your next prayer by thanking Him for perfecting your prayers.

Day 4: Jesus Is the Perfect, Sinless High Priest

Jesus alone meets every requirement of the perfect High Priest: He is holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens, offering Himself as the flawless sacrifice for our sins. Unlike earthly priests who were weak and sinful, Jesus lived a sinless life, was never corrupted by the world, and now reigns in glory, forever mediating on our behalf. His sacrifice was once for all, fully satisfying God’s justice and making further sacrifices unnecessary. Because of His perfection, we can approach God with confidence, knowing our High Priest understands us and represents us perfectly. [25:42]

Hebrews 7:26-27 (ESV)
"For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself."

Reflection: In what ways does knowing Jesus is perfectly sinless and holy change how you approach Him with your struggles or failures today?

Day 5: Responding in Love and Worship

Because Jesus is our perfect Savior and High Priest, we are invited to respond by loving Him more deeply and expressing that love through prayer, worship, and acts of service. This love is not just a feeling but a lived response—seeking ways to draw closer to Him, serve others, and share our faith, whether through daily habits, helping a neighbor, or stepping out in ministry. Ask Jesus to show you how to love Him more this week, and be open to new ways of expressing that love, knowing He delights in every sincere offering. [35:23]

John 14:15 (ESV)
"If you love me, you will keep my commandments."

Reflection: What is one specific way you can express your love for Jesus this week—through prayer, worship, service, or sharing your faith—and will you commit to doing it today?

Sermon Summary

Today’s focus is on the supremacy and perfection of Jesus as our eternal High Priest, as revealed in Hebrews 7:20-28. The old priesthood, with its many priests and temporary sacrifices, could never fully bridge the gap between God and humanity. But Jesus, appointed by God’s unbreakable oath, stands as the permanent High Priest, guaranteeing a better covenant—one that is not subject to the limitations, failures, or mortality of human priests. Unlike the Levitical priests, whose ministries ended in death and whose sacrifices were never enough, Jesus’ priesthood is forever, and His sacrifice is once and for all.

This new covenant, sealed by Christ’s own blood, is not just a legal arrangement but a deeply personal relationship with God. Jesus saves “to the uttermost”—completely and eternally—those who draw near to God through Him. There is no sin too great, no distance too far, that His saving work cannot reach. His salvation is not partial or temporary; it is total, ongoing, and transformative. Even now, Jesus lives to make intercession for us. He is always at the right hand of the Father, praying for us, perfecting our feeble prayers, and presenting us blameless before God.

Jesus meets every requirement of the perfect High Priest: He is holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He did not need to offer sacrifices for His own sins, for He had none. His one sacrifice on the cross was sufficient to satisfy the justice and holiness of God forever. The old system, with its endless cycle of sacrifices and priests, has been replaced by the once-for-all, perfect work of Christ.

The invitation is simple yet profound: draw near to Jesus, accept Him as your Savior and High Priest, and let His love and intercession transform your life. Consider how you might love Him more this week—whether through prayer, worship, serving others, or sharing your faith. Jesus is not only the guarantee of a better covenant; He is the living, loving Savior who continually draws us into deeper relationship with God.

Key Takeaways

1. Jesus is the eternal High Priest, appointed by God’s unchangeable oath, guaranteeing a better covenant that is not subject to human frailty or death. Unlike the old priesthood, which was temporary and required constant replacement, Jesus’ priesthood is permanent and unshakeable, providing us with a foundation that will never fail. [04:28]
2. The salvation Jesus offers is complete and eternal—He saves “to the uttermost.” There is no sin too great for His atonement, and no part of our lives beyond His reach. His saving work is not just a one-time event but an ongoing reality, as He continually sanctifies and transforms those who draw near to Him. [15:37]
3. Jesus’ intercession for us is constant and perfect. Even when our prayers are weak, distracted, or imperfect, He stands before the Father, praying on our behalf, refining our petitions, and presenting us blameless. This ongoing intercession is a profound source of comfort and assurance, reminding us that we are never alone or unheard in our struggles. [18:42]
4. Christ fulfills every requirement of the perfect High Priest: He is holy, innocent, unstained, and exalted above the heavens. His sinless life and perfect obedience mean that His sacrifice was fully acceptable to God, accomplishing what no other priest or sacrifice ever could. This perfection is not just theological—it is the very basis of our confidence and hope. [25:42]
5. The invitation to draw near to Jesus is both a call to salvation and to deeper love. Accepting Him as Savior and High Priest is the beginning, but growing in love for Him is a lifelong journey. Whether through prayer, worship, acts of service, or sharing your faith, seek ways to express your love for Christ, knowing that He is always interceding for you and inviting you into deeper relationship. [34:06]

Bible Study Guide

Bible Reading

Hebrews 7:20-28 (ESV) — 20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath,
21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:
“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
‘You are a priest forever.’”
22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.
23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office,
24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.
25 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.
26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.
28 For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

Observation Questions

According to Hebrews 7:20-22, what is different about the way Jesus became a high priest compared to the Levitical priests?
What does the phrase “he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him” mean in the context of verse 25?
List the qualities that verse 26 uses to describe Jesus as our high priest.
In verse 27, what is unique about Jesus’ sacrifice compared to the sacrifices offered by the old high priests?

Interpretation Questions

The sermon mentioned that Jesus’ priesthood is permanent and unshakeable, unlike the old priesthood that was temporary and required constant replacement ([04:28]). Why is it important for us that Jesus’ role as high priest never ends?
The phrase “save to the uttermost” was explained as Jesus paying every penny of our debt, not just part of it ([12:55]). How does this understanding of complete salvation affect the way someone views their past sins or failures?
The pastor said that Jesus is always interceding for us, even when our prayers are weak or distracted ([18:42]). What comfort or encouragement does this bring to someone who struggles with prayer?
The sermon described Jesus as holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens ([25:42]). How do these qualities set Jesus apart from any other religious leader or priest?

Application Questions

The sermon challenged us to “draw near to Jesus” and accept Him as Savior and High Priest ([32:37]). If someone has never done this, what might be holding them back? If you have, what does it look like for you to draw near to Jesus today?
Jesus’ salvation is described as “complete and ongoing”—He saves to the uttermost and continues to sanctify us ([15:37]). Is there an area of your life where you struggle to believe that Jesus’ forgiveness or power can reach? How can you bring that area to Him this week?
The pastor shared that Jesus is always interceding for us, perfecting our prayers ([21:43]). When was the last time you felt your prayers were weak or distracted? How does knowing Jesus is praying for you change your approach to prayer?
The old system required constant sacrifices, but Jesus’ sacrifice was “once for all” ([27:13]). Are there ways you still try to “earn” God’s favor or forgiveness? What would it look like to rest in Jesus’ finished work instead?
The invitation was to love Jesus more this week—through prayer, worship, serving others, or sharing your faith ([34:06]). Which of these do you feel most drawn to right now? What is one specific step you can take this week to express your love for Christ?
The sermon gave practical ideas like starting your day with Bible reading, praying at set times, serving a neighbor, or sharing your faith ([35:23]). Which of these could you try this week? What might get in the way, and how can you overcome it?
The pastor encouraged the church to share stories of how they grew in love for Jesus ([35:23]). Would you be willing to share with the group next week how you tried to love Jesus more? Why or why not?

Sermon Clips

So Jesus guarantees a better covenant. Jesus guarantees a better covenant. I don't know about you, but I like to have guarantees when I buy things, right? We get guarantees in cars where, you know, through the first hundred thousand mile, your train, engine train or whatever it is, is under warranty. And it really doesn't warranty anything, you know, because all this other stuff breaks, but it wasn't covered under warranty. I mean, we had a, we bought a washing machine a couple of years ago or so, and we had a warranty, full warranty, replacement warranty within the first year. You know, the circuit board went up at month 14. So when there's a guarantee, it's great, but you got to read the fine print. But what I got to tell you this, this is the fine print for Jesus. There is no fine print for Jesus, right? He's got an oath that backs everything up. [00:07:36] (59 seconds) #NoFinePrintGuarantee

The second reason Jesus is the perfect son and high priest is that Jesus provides a complete salvation, verse 25, a complete salvation. Consequently, okay, because of the oath that was sworn about this, because he is told that he will be perfect and because he has a perfect or a better covenant, all right, consequently, because of all those things, 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. [00:11:43] (34 seconds) #UttermostGrace

``Uttermost says, I will pay every penny. All million dollars of your debt is taken away. It's gone. And that is the way Jesus does it. That's the way he takes away our sin. So to the uttermost, he saves us to the uttermost. Every penny, every sin, every debt we owe, he pays. It's not impartial, it's in full, right? And Christ is never going to have to go to the cross again because it's done. You know, there's no sin that Christ can't atone for, is there? [00:13:16] (37 seconds) #DrawNearToSave

At the end of this verse, it says, again, he always lives to make intercession for us. Jesus is always praying for you. If you are a believer in Jesus Christ, he is always praying for you. Amen. He lives for this, it says. And I don't know if we really understand how powerful that is, how important that is. [00:18:42] (32 seconds)

But Jesus is the perfect prayer for us. Amen? Indeed. Now, he lives to make intercession. Because the Bible tells us, even in Hebrews chapter 1 and Hebrews chapter 9, that he is before the throne of God. He is at the right hand of the majesty on high. And in Romans chapter 8, he has this unbroken connection with the Father where it says he intercedes for us. [00:20:21] (28 seconds)

He tells this story about a little boy who wanted to welcome his father with something nice when he came home from his long journey. His mother says, well, why don't you go pick some flowers for your father? He'll really like that when he comes home. That's what the son did. He goes out into the garden. He starts picking the flowers, but he picks not just flowers. He's got weeds and grass and all kinds of other stuff. Mom sees what he's got. And when his father came home, his father, he presented his father a perfect bouquet of flowers because mom interceded and took out all the weeds. You see, that's kind of what Jesus does for us when we pray, and we don't pray just right or whatever. He takes out and removes those things, and he prays for us in a perfect way. [00:22:08] (59 seconds)

Let's be really clear. Jesus lived a sinless life on this earth. He was holy. He was perfect. He was separated from sinners, and in his humanity, he meshed with us but he never got corrupted by us. Unlike the story I opened up with where Norman got corrupted by his own brother and started going down a bad path too. Jesus, that never happened to Jesus. He was perfect. He was sinless. He was separated from sinners, and now he is exalted above the heavens. This would be his location after his resurrection and his ascension that he is at the mighty hand of the right hand of God in heaven. [00:25:54] (44 seconds)

God the Father was completely, completely, completely satisfied with what Jesus did on the cross. Listen to what it says. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered himself up. God the Father was completely satisfied with what took place on the cross. [00:27:25] (32 seconds)

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