JESUS CHRIST OUR HIGH PRIEST
BLOG – 48
By: Bill Watson
Direct Comments to:
In the book of Hebrews, we find described the transition to the amended inclusion of Jesus Christ, the Word of God, the Scepter, who was made flesh and lived among us for approximately 33 1/2 years on this Earth. This book is often recognized as the formal record of the extended shift from the limitations of the Covenant with the nation of Israel, but now includes the additional feature of Jesus, the Anointed. This addition allowed all human beings access to inherit eternal life through the circumcision of faith.
Notice; “For in him dwells all the fulness of the Godhead… In whom also you are circumcised with the circumcision made without hands in putting off the body of the sins of the flesh by the circumcision of Christ: Buried with him in baptism, wherein also you are risen with him through the faith of the operation of God, who has raised him from the dead” (Col. 2:9-12).
This resulted in the breaking down of the partition–the wall of separation–that prevented the opportunity for those apart from Israel (Gentiles) to be grafted in for access into God’s Kingdom. Notice: “That at that time you (non-Israelites) were without Christ, being aliens from the commonwealth of Israel and strangers from the covenants of promise, having no hope, without God in the world: But now in Christ Jesus you (non-Israelites) who sometimes were far off (from the Covenant) are made near by the blood of Christ. For he is our peace, who has made both (Israelite and Gentile) one, and broken down the middle wall of partition between us” (Eph.2:12-14).
This truth describes how God the Father is now speaking to us by His Son as opposed to the prophets whom He, the Father, “appointed heir of all things, by whom also he (Christ) made the worlds” (Heb. 1:1-2). So, the door has been opened for the rest of the world’s ethnicities to become co-heirs with Christ for all eternity. Notice; …but you have received the Spirit of adoption, whereby we cry, Abba Father. The Spirit itself bears witness with our spirit, that we are the children of God: And if children, then heirs; heirs of God, and joint-heirs with Christ” (Rom. 8:15-17). Interestingly, the truth about this matter is vital to our understanding and enriches our awareness of the greater purpose of our lives and the intimate relationship God offers us.
Once we know that God is honoring us with this stunning opportunity to become part of His family, it is crucial that we understand the importance of Jesus Christ’s intercessory Priesthood. The book of Hebrews also enlightens us to this dynamic relationship we have, or should have, with our Savior. He is our High Priest after a new order. It is not the Levitical Priesthood! It is a superior Priesthood that is without human connection. It is called the Melchisedec order and has its origins in the King of Salem, who was a King of peace during Abraham’s lifetime!
Notice what Hebrews explains. “For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God (the Father), who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him,” of which Abraham paid Him a tithe of all his captured booty. This Melchisedec is considered a King of righteousness and peace, without father, mother, and human descent. He had neither beginning of days nor end of life: but was made unto the Son of God; abiding as a priest continually” (Heb. 7:1-3).
This Melchisedec Priesthood goes back to the battle of the kings in which Abraham participated (Ref: Gen. 14:14-24). This King of Righteousness had visited earth some few thousand years before as a shape-shifted manifestation of a flesh and blood Priest of the Most High God. This Priesthood comes full circle to us in this 21st century, as explained by the Word of God: this was actually Jesus Christ before His human birth, functioning as the Melchisedec Priest that He would later become to us. An order that was indeed superior to the Levitical Priesthood (Heb. 7:4-17).
And so today, He intervenes on our behalf because He knows what it’s like to be human, subject to death. He gave up His divinity so He might be able to die for us that we might be able to live for Him (Heb 2:9-18). Keep in mind He was at risk. He was not predestined to succeed but rather took on the seed of Abraham (carnal flesh) and overcame sin, even though He was in jeopardy of possibly failing.
This is why we “…have a GREAT high priest, that is passed into the heavens (He is currently alive at the right hand of the Father), Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. For we have not a high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in ALL POINTS tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly (Direct, frank, outspoken, confident) unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need” (Heb. 4:14-16).
So, as the Passover season approaches, let us learn to appreciate this Advocate of ours that loves us so much that He risked everything He had. Clearly, He wants us to succeed and share in eternity as a BORN son of God. He is the best coach we could have, and He is “all in” because He has so much invested in us. So, don’t sell Him short! Take time to build a relationship with Him so you can grow in faith and trust.
And keep in mind: “If you then be risen with Christ, seek those things which are above, where Christ sits on the right hand of God. Set your affection (mind) on things above, not on things on the earth. For you are dead (metaphorically, your carnal nature), and your life is hid (concealed, covered) with Christ in God. When Christ, who is our life, shall appear, then shall you also appear with him in glory” [the resurrection] (Col. 3:1-4).
So, as we examine ourselves in preparation, let us remember to “put on therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, bowels of mercies, kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, long-suffering; Forbearing one another, if any man have a quarrel against any: even as Christ forgave you, so also do you. And above all these things put on charity (affection, benevolence), which is the bond of maturity. And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to the which also you are called in one body; and be you thankful” (Col 3:12-15).