Entering into the Throne of Grace:
A Priestly Ministry of Jesus
by Pastor Berens Tiongson
Since the fall of Adam and Eve, the problem of sin entered the world. Adam and Eve could not speak to God face to face, a benefit which they enjoyed before in the Garden of Eden. Since God is a Holy God, since He is just, a sinful man could not come to Him directly. This is where the function of a priest comes. In the Old Testament, Aaron became the first high priest. He was the intermediary between a holy God and a sinful people, the go-betweem who represented each to the other. In the NT in the book of Hebrews, we were introduced to Jesus as a High Priest. Also, the priesthood of Jesus was exalted above all in this book.
Who is Jesus as a Great High Priest? Jesus is above all High Priest (v.14a). Only His blood can clean all of humanity's sin. Animal blood simply covered man's sin but Jesus Blood cleansed us from all impurities presenting us pure and acceptable to God. Only His Sacrifice was worthy in the eyes of God the Father.
What is the result of Jesus being the Great High Priest? We can persevere because He can sympathize in our weakness (v 15a). Jesus feels for us. He understands our limitations. He is very much concerned for us. No one in this world and in this life can sympathize like Jesus can.
We can persevere because He can grant us victory over sin. (15b). Jesus empowers us when we are weakest. He carries us through trials and difficulties.
Jesus as our Great High Priest is in the holy throne of God. (14b). Since He is there sitted with God the Father, we can have confidence in approaching God's throne (v. 16a). He is our Mediator. We can also have confidence to receive mercy and grace in times of need (16b). We thank God for sending us His own Son , the Great High Priest Jesus. |
