How can understanding Jesus' priesthood deepen our faith and trust in Him? Setting the Scene “For the One of whom these things are spoken belonged to a different tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar.” (Hebrews 7:13) • The writer highlights something revolutionary: Jesus comes from Judah, not Levi. • By Old Testament law, only Levites could be priests (Numbers 3:5-10). • The Spirit is signaling a divinely authorized, once-for-all shift to a superior priesthood. Why a Different Tribe Matters • A priesthood rooted in Levi depended on genealogy and repeated sacrifices (Hebrews 7:23-27). • Jesus’ priesthood rests on an indestructible life (Hebrews 7:16). • Because the Father swore an unbreakable oath—“You are a Priest forever in the order of Melchizedek” (Psalm 110:4)—our confidence rests on God’s promise, not human lineage. What This Reveals About Jesus 1. Unique Qualification – He meets us as both King (from Judah) and Priest (after Melchizedek). – Revelation 5:5-6 pictures Him as the Lion and the Lamb—ultimate authority and perfect sacrifice. 2. Eternal Ministry – “He always lives to intercede for them” (Hebrews 7:25). – Unlike earthly priests who die, His advocacy never pauses. 3. Perfect Sacrifice – “He sacrificed for sins once for all when He offered Himself” (Hebrews 7:27). – No backlog of guilt remains; His blood fully satisfies divine justice (Romans 5:9). Deepening Faith Through His Priesthood • Steadfast Assurance – If the Father appointed Him by oath, rejection is impossible (John 6:37-40). – Our salvation is anchored “behind the veil” (Hebrews 6:19-20). • Constant Access – We draw near “with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16) because the barrier of sin is gone. – Worship, confession, and daily needs go straight to a sympathetic High Priest (Hebrews 2:17-18). • Complete Cleansing – The once-for-all sacrifice liberates conscience (Hebrews 9:14). – Freedom from lingering shame fuels joyful obedience (1 John 1:7). • Hope in Trials – His intercession secures grace in temptation (Hebrews 2:18). – Knowing He cannot be removed from His office steadies us when earthly systems fail. Living It Out • Meditate on Hebrews 7:25-28; personalize the phrase “He always lives to intercede for me.” • Celebrate communion conscious of the permanent priestly work behind the elements (1 Corinthians 11:26). • Approach daily prayer remembering you walk into a throne room already opened by His blood (Ephesians 3:12). Understanding Jesus’ priesthood lifts faith from fragile self-effort to solid confidence in His eternal, unchangeable ministry. |
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