HEBREWS 7:23-28

JESUS IS LIKE MELCHIZEDEK

February 21, 2016

Todd Chapman

Hebrews 7:23-28 ESV: The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

THE LEVITICAL PRIEST’S ROLE WAS LIMITED.

  • Lots of them.
  • They died.
  • Offered daily sacrifices
    • or their own sins
    • For sins of others

 JESUS’ PRIESTHOOD IS ETERNAL.

  • Jesus lives.
  • Jesus’ “indestructible” and totally perfect life.
  • Jesus’ offering of Himself is completely satisfying and final.
    • o need to offer daily sacrifices.
      • or Himself
      • For sins of others
  • Jesus being the perfect High Priest was from God’s oath.

 BECAUSE JESUS’ PRIESTHOOD IS ETERNAL ALL WHO COME TO HIM ARE SAVED COMPLETELY.

  • Jesus forgives all sin.
  • Jesus continues to intercede for us.
  • We come to Jesus + _______________(Nothing)

Life Group Questions

WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

  1. How would you summarize the big idea of 7:1-22?
  2. Why is it relevant that there were lots of priests and that they died?
  3. What is the significance of Jesus’ priesthood being “permanently”?
  4. What does saving “To the uttermost” mean?
  5. How do we “draw near” to God?
  6. Why does the author list so many characteristics of Jesus?  (holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, exalted above the heavens)
  7. Why did the Levitical Priests have to offer so many sacrifices?  Why doesn’t Jesus need to offer daily sacrifices?
  8. How are the high priests from the law different from the high priest who comes from God’s oath?
  9. How would you paraphrase the big idea of 7:23-28?

HOW DOES IT APPLY?

  1. How does the author contrasting the Levitical priesthood with Jesus’ priesthood make you feel?  What difference does it make to you?
  2. Why do you think it’s so important to the author to that we see the absolute uniqueness of Jesus’ priesthood?
  3. What does Jesus’ priesthood mean to you?
  4. When did you first realize Jesus’ offering of Himself, was the foundation of all your sin being forgiven?  How did that make you feel?
  5. Are you ever tempted to think you need to add something to Jesus’ sacrifice?  What does that feel like?  How do you know?  What do you do?