Priest Above All Priests—6 Characteristics of His Superiority
By Elizabeth Yeamans Simrell
Scripture Readings: Hebrews 7:1-28
Key Verses: Hebrews 7:25-26
“Hence, also, He is able to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them. For it is fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens.”
There is a lot of information packed into the chapters of Hebrews and the author repeats himself frequently, writing in a style that emphasizes by repetition with the goal of teaching how superior Jesus was above all other priests before Him. This chapter outlines numerous ways that Jesus is set apart from the other high priests.
These verses emphasize that Jesus was superior because of the following:
- He was appointed by God and not by men.
- He was sworn in by an oath of God “according to the power of an indestructible life” (v.6).
- He guaranteed a better covenant (v.22)—“a better hope through which we draw near to God.” (v.29)
- His priesthood is permanent:
–because He “abides forever” (v.24)
–because he is “able to save forever,” making “intercession for them” (v.5)
- He is “holy”—the Son of God, “exalted above the heavens.”
- He is without sin, “innocent,” “undefiled” (v.26)
Jesus, priest above all priests, is our High Priest forever; He intercedes for us. Having suffered and experienced living as a man, being divine yet having humbled himself to our level, he understands our needs and empathizes with us. He is our perfect example of how to live in faith. As Heavenly High Priest, he is our teacher, counselor, comforter, intercessor—there is no one superior to Him.
Prayer: Dear Lord Jesus, I, too, could not help but repeat the information in this chapter of Hebrews. The servant leader that you were on earth, the holy, High Priest that you are and always will be forevermore—you are superior to all. Praise your Holy Name!
IGW3 - In God's Word, In God's Will, In God's Work 