Day 90 "Jesus, The Superlative, Our High Priest-Forever!" (Hebrews: Chapter 5)

The highest. The most. The best. The furthest. The smartest. The loveliest. The wisest. All of these are just a token of possible superlatives that the human mind can envision, taking a particular comparison of something to all others of the same category to the highest degree possible.

It is important to understand that Jesus Christ is our superlative over all things. He is the highest in authority in both heaven and on earth, excluding the Heavenly Father.

"Then Jesus came to them and said, 'All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me." Matthew 28:18

Whether it is acknowledge, now, or in the future, Jesus is still in full authority. This perspective, one that is eternal, will be the one that grants you peace and rest in the midst of your circumstances here in this life. In this world, where all things are temporary in nature, the things that are eternal will cast light upon the darkness and illuminate the ultimate truth that sets our spirit free to live fully free in each and every moment of our lives.

"Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." John 14:27

So, as we approach Chapter 5 of Hebrews, let us do so in the knowledge of who Christ is and what that means for us.

Hebrews Chapter 5:

"Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them

in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness." Hebrews 5:1-2

"No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was."

Hebrews 5:4

"So Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest."

Hebrews 5:5

"You (Jesus) are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." Hebrews 5:6

"Although he was a son, he learned obedience from what he suffered" Hebrews 5:8

"and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey

him" Hebrews 5:9

"and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek."

Hebrews 5:10

"But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil." Hebrews 5:14

Key verses for me:

"Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them

in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness." Hebrews 5:1-2

"No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was."

Hebrews 5:4

"So Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest."

Hebrews 5:5

"You (Jesus) are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek." Hebrews 5:6

""and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey

him" Hebrews 5:9

Jesus, God's one and only Son, was called by God to become the high priest for man in the order of Melchizedek. From what I have ascertained by research, the order of Melchizedek is one that is spiritual and eternal in its nature. I have come to believe that it is a heavenly priesthood to which Jesus, himself, has been given full authority over. When one contemplates the magnitude of what this authority represents, there is nothing that is not subjugated to Christ's authority- on earth or in heaven. Thus, when it is said that Jesus is king of kings and lord of lords, such absolute authority should resonate throughout our souls. But the incredible, marvelous truth is that this in no ordinary king that would dominate and oppress his subject to do his bidding. Oh, no, this is one who gave up all of his previous glory in heaven to come down to earth to show us what it means to love and to surrender his life to pay the penalty for all of our sins. Jesus justifiably deserves the title

"servant-king". He doesn't demand our obedience out of his actions. He woos our hearts with love and grace. Where, pray tell, is there anyone more deserving to lead us and for us to submit our wills to then Jesus, himself?

Verse 9 above can be somewhat confusing to a lot of readers. How can Jesus, who is already perfect, become perfect? I struggled to grasp what was truly being said here. One thing that was brought to my attention is that the more clear makes sense of the less clear. In other words, take what is presented by many verses to explain more fully what one or two obscure verses would be troubling to understand. There are numerous verses that speak of Jesus perfection, being without sin. Therefore, this verse cannot be referring to something Jesus didn't have but was able to achieve through suffering.

So, let's look at it a different way. Jesus, being fully divine, restrained his divinity and previous heavenly authority to become fully human. We know, that although Jesus was without sin, he was still tempted three times in the wilderness to sin. Although his sinful nature was perfect, his will was still subject to the possibility "to sin." If Jesus had given in to any of Satan's temptation, our salvation and justification would no longer be possible.

Jesus, suffering as he did, also provided another temptation to change his destiny and save himself.

"Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? Matthew 26:53

But Jesus surmounted his temptations and completed his destiny and mission for which he was sent. Completely free from having given in to any temptation, Jesus was constituted as our official unblemished atoning sacrifice- a once-and-for-all sacrifice that would forever cover all mankind. What was done, cannot be undone. Isn't that great news? This is exactly the good news of the gospel! And your action did not bring it about. God's love and grace made it so.

"I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep."

John 10:11

"But he has appeared once for all at the culmination of the ages to do away with sin by the sacrifice of himself." Hebrews 9:26

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"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."

As long as you look at the world the way the world sees, you will see only this world. But should you choose to let your mind be transformed by God's Holy Spirit and let Christ be Lord and Savior of your life, then you will see this world through God's eyes and heart and see the world through eternal coated lenses. The view will set you free and give you peace and rest.

In his love, see you tomorrow...

"Carpe Momentum in Love" (Seize the moment in love)