Headlines from Hebrews Wk 1 Wk 1 Jesus at the centre Wk 2 Wk 2 From heaven to earth Wk 3 Wk 3 Persevering through difficulty Wk 4 Wk 4 Faith triumphant Wk 5 Wk 5 Running a good race Wk 6 Wk 6 Our constant companion

Headlines from Hebrews From heaven to earth Hebrews 4:14-5:10

14 Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to feel sympathy for our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are – yet he did not sin.

16 Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need. 5 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.

3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 And no one takes this honour on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was. 5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’

6 And he says in another place, ‘You are a priest for ever, in the order of Melchizedek.’ 7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission.

8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

The idea of a ‘High Priest’ is strange… Chosen by the people Chosen to intercede for himself, his house and the people Chosen to enter the ‘holy of holies’ in the temple, annually, to offer sacrifice on behalf of the people

Three things about Jesus in heaven are revealed…

1. Jesus is our High Priest He understands and sympathises with our weakness 4:15 But because he is pure and sinless - so he can offer himself 4:15 (5:1) He’s been chosen by God for this role 15:5

2. His words and deeds are effective We know these things but often we don’t live in them…

2. His words and deeds are effective The letter to the Hebrews tells us to do four things: hold firmly onto the faith - we are free! 4:14 approach God with confidence 4:16 receive his mercy 4:16 find his grace in time of need 4:16

3. He is the source of eternal salvation He is in this role, as a priest, forever (Ps 110:4) He is forever present seated at the Father’s right hand (Romans 8:34) He welcomes us home (Acts 7:55-56)

Two amazing things then flow from Heaven to earth !

The Kingdom of God is here now, in us… Your Kingdom come, Your will be done, on earth as it is in heaven Matthew 6:10

We are given power to renew the earth… Exalted to the right hand of God, he has received from the Father the promised Holy Spirit and has poured out what you now see and hear. Acts 2:33

So that all of creation can be gathered to the Father (Romans 8:18) …

Headlines from Hebrews Wk 1 Wk 1 Jesus at the centre Wk 2 Wk 2 From heaven to earth Wk 3 Wk 3 Persevering through difficulty Wk 4 Wk 4 Faith triumphant Wk 5 Wk 5 Running a good race Wk 6 Wk 6 Our constant companion