Understanding the Priesthood of Jesus Christ

By Oluwaseun Okikiola

In as much then as we have a great high priest who has [already] ascended and passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith in Him]

Hebrews 4:14 (Amplified Version)

One very vital aspect of earthly governance is the legal system. In the legal system, the defendant (the one that is accused) needs a lawyer to plead his case before a judge. Irrespective of the defendant’s offence, the expertise of the lawyer can go a long way in determining the outcome of the case. So also, in Gods kingdom, there is a system similar to the legal system. In that system, instead of a lawyer, you have a high priest. Instead of a judge, you have God who is the judge of the universe (Isaiah 33:22). You also have the devil, who is the accuser of the brethren (Revelations 12:10). And we, the believers, are the defendants who are accused by the accuser of the brethren, the devil. So therefore, as defendants, we need a high priest instead of a lawyer.

In the Old Testament, the people of God had a high priest who usually went before God, with an offering, to intercede for the people. Before the high priest interceded for the people, he interceded for himself first. The Old Testament high priests had weaknesses and they also had sins. They were not holy or pure. And that’s why they had to intercede for themselves first so that they can be cleansed. After they have been cleansed, then they can intercede for the people. This tells you that those high priests were not perfect. They were just like the people, sharing the same nature of sin.

But in the New Testament which we live in, we have Jesus as our high priest (Hebrews 4:14). Unlike the Old Testament high priests, Jesus is holy and perfect in all ways. He is like the competent lawyer who can secure victory for you in a court case where you are actually the criminal. Unlike the Old Testament high priest who had to intercede and communicate with God from earth, Jesus, our High Priest, is seated at the right hand of God (Matthew 26:64; Mark 14:62; Hebrews 1:3). He intercedes for us from the right hand of God. Unlike the Old Testament high priests who intercede for the people, Jesus intercedes for us each and every day. The climax of the Priesthood of Jesus is the offering he presents to God when he intercedes for us. The Old Testament high priests presented the blood of a lamb, as an offering to God, when interceding for the people. But Jesus presents his own blood as an offering to God. This blood supersedes the blood of a lamb. The blood of Jesus washes away our sins (Revelation 1:5), heals us, cleanses up, breaks curses, and so on. If the blood of a lamb could deliver the Israelites from death (Exodus 12:13), how much more the blood of Jesus. The blood of Jesus which Jesus himself presents as an offering is the ultimate price and no other high priest can present that price for us except Jesus. That’s why he is called a great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14). In the Old Testament, when a sacrifice or an offering is being presented to God, God is moved into action. Most important is the quality of that sacrifice or offering. Noah made a sacrifice to God and God made a covenant with Noah which stands till this day (Genesis 9:1-17). Sacrifices or offerings open us up to Gods favor and blessing. But as our High Priest, Jesus presents to God the most quality offering that can be ever presented; His Blood. This opens us to the blessings and favor of God.

Another peculiar thing about Jesus, as our great High Priest is that he is so merciful and gracious. Jesus was tempted in every way that man is tempted today (Hebrews 4:15). So he understands the temptations we go through every day. Whether you’ve killed, stolen, committed adultery or lied, Jesus is merciful and ready to be your high priest and plead your case before God so you can be forgiven and start a new life in Christ. If you’re still living in sin you need to accept Jesus as your Lord and savior and then he’ll become High Priest and advocate. If you’ll like to accept Jesus, please pray this prayer; “Lord Jesus, I come to You today. I am a sinner. Forgive me my sins. Today, I accept You as my Lord and Saviour. Thank You for saving me. Now I know I am born again!”.

If you’ve prayed that prayer, please contact us at gospel.centre@yahoo.com.  God bless you.

Seun is the founder and president of Gospel Centre, a christian organisation that is committed to raising living proofs of God’s Word.

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