Hebrews 7:25

Hebrews  7:25

He lives to intercede for us

The priestly role of Jesus Christ is described brilliantly by John in his first epistle. “My dear children, I write this to you so that you will not sin. But if anybody does sin, we have an advocate with the Father—Jesus Christ, the Righteous One. He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” 1 John 2:1-2. John obviously understood all this as well as anyone, for he devotes a whole chapter of his Gospel to the High Priestly prayers of Jesus for His disciples and then for the church. Reading John 17 gives us an insight into the ways that Jesus views His role, to protect us from the world, to develop unity amongst His followers and for them to be sanctified by the Word of truth. His mission is to see His people filled with His joy and with His glory and love, so that the world may believe. 

This High Priest offers salvation by His sacrifice that is complete in every way, all sins are atoned for, death has been conquered and His High Priestly duties far surpass that of any earthly priesthood because His office lasts forever! In addition. He represents us before God on a permanent basis so that there is not a moment in our temporary, earthly lives when we may not approach the Lord God through Him. His role before God is to intercede for us, in other words He intervenes in our lives, He mediates between us and heaven, and He pleads for us before God. Whilst we are on this earth, heaven may seem a million miles plus away, God is so holy and glorious that He appears to be way beyond our reach. “Not so,” says Jesus, “I am there for you, I will represent you, and your every need and request will be brought before the Father if you will entrust me with them.” 

By the way, our task as priests is to intercede too, we approach the Lord on behalf of others, we are there to bridge the gap between heaven and earth for all mankind. What an enormous responsibility and glorious privilege, to be priests in the Temple of the Lord and what a High Priest it is who oversees us. Prayer changes everything! Hallelujah! 

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