Christ is Greater Than The Priesthood
December 7, 2021
Commentary
The Word of God is very powerful. It is like a very sharp knife that cuts into our life and desires. It exposes us for what we really are (v. 12). Nothing in all creation can hide from Him. He sees everything that we do. He is the God to whom we must explain all that we have ever done (v. 13). The inner life of a Christian is often a strange mixture of motivations which are genuinely spiritual and completely human. It takes a supernaturally discerning agent, such as the Word of God, to sort these out and to expose what is of the flesh.
He compares Christ’s priesthood with Aaron’s, and declares even in the very beginning the marvelous excellency of this priesthood, calling him the Son of God, and placing him in the seat of God in heaven, plainly and openly contrasting him with Aaron’s priests (v. 14). Christ is a great High Priest who is passed into God’s presence to intercede for us. He is the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, and “He sympathizes with us even in our innocent infirmities. Yet without sin – And, therefore, is indisputably able to preserve us from it in all our temptations.
He has been tempted in all points like we have. Let us never stop trusting Him (vv. 14-15). Christians are invited to daily come to the Throne of Grace without fear and not be ashamed to make known our needs and requests. When we come (which we are to do repeatedly) in humility and confidence we will find help in time of need (v. 16).
Application
Do the world and other Christians see my life filled with prayer and praise? Am I worshiping the Lord Jesus and loving Him more than anything else? God knows what I am doing and why, because I can not hide from Him. He sees and knows everything.
Hebrews 4:12– 16 (NET)
12 For the word of God is living and active and sharper than any double-edged sword, piercing even to the point of dividing soul from spirit, and joints from marrow; it is able to judge the desires and thoughts of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from God, but everything is naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must render an account.
14 Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help.
Illustration: The Little Boy Who Had Everyone Hunting For Him
A telemarketer called a home one day, and a small voice whispered, “Hello?” “Hello! What’s your name?” Still whispering, the voice said, “Jimmy.” “How old are you, Jimmy?” “I’m four.” “Good, Is your mother home?” “Yes, but she’s busy.” “Okay, is your father home?” “He’s busy too.” “I see, who else is there?” “The police.” “The police? May I speak with one of them?” “They’re busy.” “Any other grown-ups there?” “The firemen.” “May I speak with a fireman, please?” “They’re all busy.” “Jimmy, all those people in your house, and I can’t talk with any of them? What are they doing?” “Looking for me,” whispered Jimmy. (Bits & Pieces, April 1, 1993, pp. 3-4).