Wednesday, November 21, 2012

Hebrews 7:11-28

Hebrews 7:11-28
11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. 13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared:
“You are a priest forever,
    in the order of Melchizedek.”
18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

Priests came from the tribe of Levi.  Jesus was from Judah.  The law had no provision for a priest from the tribe of Judah.  Vs 18 and 19 give the answer.  Jesus is our "better hope". 

20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, 21 but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him:
“The Lord has sworn
    and will not change his mind:
    ‘You are a priest forever.’”
22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.

How did Jesus become priest?  God declared it.  Anybody else have a better reference than that on their resume?

23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office; 24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. 25 Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.
26 Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. 28 For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

Jesus priesthood is permanent.
Jesus completely saves us. (Nothing we need to do.)
Jesus is holy, blameless, pure set apart and exalted.
Jesus' sacrifice was once for all and forever.   (Could you imagine us having to bring sacrifices to the alter for our sins still?) 
Jesus is perfect and forever.

The writer wrote this to show the Jewish people that Jesus is better than the law.  Yet some stubbornly clung to the law and their traditions.  We are no different today.  Our churches have or lists of rules and traditions that are clung to just as tenaciously.  Jesus is better.  Chose HIM.

May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ be with your spirit, brothers and sisters.  Amen.

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