Hebrews 7:23-28
Notes
Transcript
The Work of the Exalted Christ
The Work of the Exalted Christ
Today is Resurrection Sunday. Today we commemorate the Resurrection and the Exaltation of our King and Savior Jesus Christ.
Indeed, DEATH cannot hold Him down. Death has no power over Him!
As believers, we can rejoice in the truth that our God reigns! Our God is alive and He is exalted in the Heavens!
Jesus is exalted above the heavens! (v.26)
Exaltation = the act of raising someone or something to a more important position:
Before His Exaltation, was His state of Humiliation.
His state of humiliation, which begins with the incarnation, extends in a downward arc all the way to the cross and his death and burial. The lowest point of Christ’s state of humiliation is the solidarity that he expresses with all humanity,
Christ’s state of exaltation begins with his vindication on Easter morning in the resurrection. When the women approach the tomb and are told by the angel “he is not here: for He has risen, just as he said” (Matt 28:6).
Having completed his work on earth, Jesus Christ is raised to God’s right hand where he receives honour, power and glory.
And in Heaven, Jesus is continually at Work. Jesus is not resting nor sleeping. He is continually at Work!
This is what we find in the passage we have read this morning but before we go to our passage, allow me to share to you the background and purpose of the book of Hebrews.
The Book of Hebrews was written to the Christian Jews in the first century and it talks about why Christ is superior or greater than the Old Testament Figures like Moses and the Mosaic Covenant, Joshua, the angels, and the High Priest…
The author of Hebrews wanted the readers to understand that if they are going to back to their old ways of Judaism (due to the pressure of persecution, job losses, economic failure), they will not be able to receive the eternal life that God has promised and is fulfilled by Jesus Christ, the Son of God.
The passage we have read is the exhortation and the explanation as to why Jesus is the superior High Priest.
The message is clear: Jesus is greater than any human high priest because His priesthood is permanent (vv.23-24) unlike the Levitical priesthood who is subject to death. And as a High Priest, his work of intercession and mediation will not end because He lives forever!
Today, allow me to share to you 2 very important function/work of the Exalted Christ as our Great High Priest.
I. Perfect Savior of Repentant Sinners
I. Perfect Savior of Repentant Sinners
Hebrews 7:23–25 “23 The former priests, on the one hand, existed in greater numbers because they were prevented by death from continuing, 24 but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently. 25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
- Jesus continues to live, unlike the Levitical Priesthood.
- He alone is Perfect and Sinless, unlike the Levitical Priesthood (vv.26-27)
- His sacrifice was sufficient for all time (v.27), unlike the Levitical priesthood who would make temporary sacrifice, year after year.
Timeless Truths:
- “He is able to save forever” - His ability and power to save in unquestionable because he lives forever. He conquered sin and death.
- This implies assurance of salvation to those who come to Him.
John 6:37 “37 “All that the Father gives Me will come to Me, and the one who comes to Me I will certainly not cast out.”
Application:
Draw near to Jesus and place your faith in Him for the salvation of your soul!
Believe in Him as your Lord and Savior.
Ephesians 2:8–10 “8 For by grace you have been saved through faith; and that not of yourselves, it is the gift of God; 9 not as a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are His workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand so that we would walk in them.”
II. Permanent Intercessor for Believers
II. Permanent Intercessor for Believers
Hebrews 7:25 “25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.”
- In heaven, Jesus is continually making intercession for the believers.
Intercession / Intercede - to plead in behalf of someone, to advocate.
Illustration:
Abraham interceding for Sodom and Gomorrah (50, 45, 40, 30, 20, 10) - Genesis 18:23-33
Moses interceding for sinful Israelites who worshipped the Golden Calf (Exodus 32:31–32)
31 Then Moses returned to the Lord, and said, “Alas, this people has committed a great sin, and they have made a god of gold for themselves. 32 “But now, if You will, forgive their sin—and if not, please blot me out from Your book which You have written!”
Jesus interceding for Peter so that his faith will not fail. Luke 22:31–32 “31 “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan has demanded permission to sift you like wheat; 32 but I have prayed for you, that your faith may not fail; and you, when once you have turned again, strengthen your brothers.””
Timeless Truths:
- Because he lives forever, he can intercede forever and without fail because His atonement was accepted, evidenced by His resurrection.
Jesus is sees our needs and our weaknesses and He is interceding for us!
As we face trials, we ask for our brothers and sisters to pray for us and it gives us confidence. How much more that we know that Jesus, our great High Priest prays for us without fail. He prays for us with passion.
What a blessing it is to wake up each day and know that Jesus has already prayed for us!
“In Jesus, there is the assurance of help and access to mercy and grace.”
Illustration: The Song Before the Throne of God Above written by a daughter of an Irish Pastor. Her name is Charitie Bancroft. This song was re-written by The Sovereign Grace.
“When Satan tempts me to despair
And tells me of the guilt within
Upward I look and see Him there
Who made an end to all my sin
Because the sinless Savior died
My sinful soul is counted free
For God the Just is satisfied
To look on Him and pardon me”
Application:
Acknowledge the intercession of Jesus through a prayer of thanksgiving.
Like Jesus, be an intercessor. (to your spouse, children, unsaved lovedones, churchmates)
Conclusion:
As a high priest, Jesus will not fail and we can go to Him at all times and be confident in His capacity to serve every need.
When Christ returns in his exalted state, he will no longer be humble and lowly, but rather he will come as the ruler and judge of all, who has come to enact the eternal reign of justice and peace for the creation that he bought for himself with his blood