November 29, 2013
CHRIST WAS, IS, AND WILL FOREVER BE THE GREAT HIGH PRIEST!
Hebrews 7:23-28
Eric Mangelsen
Central Truth
Christ is the only sacrifice we will ever need!
Key Verse | Hebrews 7:26–27
For it was fitting for us to have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens; who does not need daily, like those high priests, to offer up sacrifices, first for His own sins and then for the sins of the people, because this He did once for all when He offered up Himself. (Hebrews 7:26-27)
Hebrews 7:23-28
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 1 7:25 That is, completely; or at all times 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.
Dive Deeper | Hebrews 7:23-28
I spent most of my early life trying to please others. This meant excelling in the classroom, on the playing field, and even in relationships. From the outside looking in, my life appeared to be ideal. I received affirmation and acceptance from other people, but I still felt an emptiness. I wasn't sure how those accomplishments looked to God.
You see, before I accepted Jesus as my Lord and Savior, I attempted to please God with good deeds and hoped those efforts outweighed any "bad" things I did. I thought God would love and accept me more if I He could see I was trying to please Him. In Ephesians 2, Paul writes that we've been saved through faith, not of ourselves. Christ "is the propitiation for our sins; and not for ours only, but also for those of the whole world" (1 John 2:2).
Before Christ came on the scene, priests were required to offer sacrifices for their sins first and then for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:6-15). An act or work had to be done in order for the people to be made right with God. Because Christ was appointed by God to be a priest forever (Psalm 110:4) as one who is "holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens," He doesn't have to offer sacrifices for Himself and then for the people. His death and resurrection accomplished what God intended.
For me, going through the motions of trying to be the best and please others turned into perfectionism. I thought if I tried hard enough I'd be the standard, but I was completely wrong. I will never be able to measure my works with those of Christ. I am a sinner in need of a savior or high priest every day. Christ's death on the cross was the perfect sacrifice.
Discussion Questions
1. Are you worshiping Jesus Christ as if He is the ultimate sacrifice for you in your life?
2. Do you often find yourself trying to please others above pleasing God?
3. Do you believe you need to do something in order to be more holy and blameless in the eyes of God?
4. When was the last time you spoke to Jesus and just asked for help during the trials or temptations in your life?