Jesus, Our Priest

TEXT: Heb. 4:14-16

INTRODUCTION:

A. HEBREWS DISCUSSES JESUS AS OUR PRIEST.

B. OUR TEXT FOCUSES ON HIS HUMANITY.

C. ITS MAJOR POINTS ARE WORTHY OF THOUGHTFUL CONSIDERATION.

I. HIS ROLE AS A PRIEST.

A. THE OLD TESTAMENT FUNCTION (Heb. 9:6-7).

1. The need (Rom. 3:23; 6:23).

2. Sacrifices involved a vicarious death.

3. Old Testament sacrifices were inadequate (Heb. 10:1-4).

4. Jesus offers an adequate sacrifice (9:11-15).

5. The priest as a mediator (Heb. 9:6-7).

6.` Jesus as mediator or "go-between" (Heb. 8:1-2, 6; 7:25).

B. A SINLESS PRIEST.

1. Why is this important? (Heb. 7:26-27). Who did he die for?

(Ezek. 18:20; Rom. 6:23; 1 Pet. 2:24).

2. How do we know he was sinless? Listen to the Testimony:

a. His enemies (John 8:46, 48)

b. His judge, Pilate (John 18:35-38).

c. His betrayer, Judas (Matt. 27:3-5).

d. His close friends and associates (1 Pet. 2:22).

II. HIS RELATIONSHIP TO US –

"TEMPTED IN ALL POINTS."

A. UNDERSCORES OUR RESPONSIBILITY FOR SIN.

1. Difference between David and Saul. – "I have sinned." (2 Sam. 12:13).

2. We want to blame others for our shortcomings. Anything to shift the blame (Gen. 3:11-13).

3. Jesus understands temptation, therefore may judge (John 5:27).

4. We should see ourselves properly (Luke 18;13; 1 John 1:9).

5. James 4:8-10.

B. THE COMPASSION OF OUR HIGH PRIEST.

1. Jesus does understand ( Heb. 2:9-13, 18).

2. We can trust Jesus for comfort and compassion.

a. Heb. 4:15-16; 2 Cor. 1:5, 9-10).

b. 1 Pet. 5:6-7; Matt. 10:29-31.

c. Philippians 4:4-7.

3. We can trust Jesus for forgiveness (1 John 1:6-9).

CONCLUSION:

A. "LET US HOLD FAST OUR CONFESSION."

B. "LET US DRAW NEAR TO THE THRONE."

C. DO YOU HAVE FELLOWSHIP WITH JESUS IN HIS DEATH? (Rom. 6:3-4).