Day 26 - Our Great High Priest
- Pastor b.Side
- May 25
- 3 min read
And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, called by God as High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek… - Hebrews 5:9-10
One of the confusing aspects of the Bible’s teaching about Jesus arises from His role as a priest. Our modern relationship with priests does not clarify the situation. We typically imagine priests as the guys with the collars from the Catholic Church. Unfortunately, since that group does not have the best reputation in the public's eyes, many people dismiss the position they hold. Consequently, many remain unclear about the significance of Jesus fulfilling the role of a priest.
“Having been perfected…”
What sets Jesus apart from other men or priests? Jesus has been “perfected.” Here, the word “perfect” describes Jesus as being made whole and complete. This pertains to Jesus’ death. He offered Himself as an atoning sacrifice, and when He died, the work required to pay the total debt of sin was finished. No one else has ever been able to present such an offering to God. No one else has given themselves as a pure and unblemished lamb to remove the sin of the world. Jesus’ blood possesses a holy, eternally self-existing, and self-sustaining value that pleases the Father.
“He became the author…”
Jesus’ sacrifice sets Him apart from every other priest who has ever lived. His sacrifice resulted in His resurrection and later His ascension, proving that He is supremely exalted. He proved His authority over all things pertaining to life and death in both the material and spiritual worlds. This is why He’s called the “Author” of eternal salvation. He is the source of eternal life, having paid the price that redeems corrupted human souls from sin, death, and hell. He gives eternal life, not merely an improvement in circumstances. The ink used to etch names into the Book of Life is His blood. No other priest can do this.
“To all who obey Him…”
Only some people benefit from Jesus’ work, and it has nothing to do with organized religion or tradition. Those who receive these benefits are those who obey Him: those who place themselves under the authority of Jesus’ words, just as a student does under a teacher when eager to learn. This principle embodies an attitude of submission rooted in faith in the truth of who Jesus is. Those who inherit eternal life from the only One who can grant it are those who trust in Jesus’ ability to do so, anchored in faith in His identity as God in the flesh, the One True Mediator who saves from sin, death, and hell, humbly submitting to Him while remembering that our Priest is also the KING of kings!
“Called by God as High Priest…”
Jesus is the ONLY priest ever appointed to be a king. When Jesus offered Himself as a sacrifice once and for all, He also demonstrated His authority by conquering the grave. Which king has ever conquered death? This is why Jesus is the High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Melchizedek was the priest of God before the Law appointed them. He was also the King of Salem, the city of God. He was the Mediator who peacefully connected Abraham to worship God. This is the same work that Jesus performs. His sacrifice establishes His authority, which is why His true followers submit to His Word in fear, humility, wisdom, and gratitude to worship Him. Who compares to Jesus in this way?
Prayer for today
Our heavenly Father, You are truly exalted above all things in heaven and on earth. Thank You for providing our Great High Priest and King to forgive our sins, grant us peace with You, and provide eternal life in Your kingdom. Help us to live with humility and gratitude for this amazing work that ONLY Jesus could do and has done. It is our pleasure to obey You for Your glory, in Jesus’ name. Amen.
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