CHRIST ASCENDED TO MAKE INTERCESSION
Just as the high priest ascended the stairs to the holy place on the day of atonement, our High Priest ascended into the heavenly tabernacle, " . . . a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands" (Hebrews 9:11). Jesus ascended not merely to enjoy the glory He deserves but to do a work on our behalf.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus' work in heaven is all for us: "He ever liveth to make intercession for [us]" (7:25). Christ does it all for us! What exactly does it mean that "He lives to make intercession for us"? I believe Jesus intercedes for us in three ways:
First, some of us imagine Jesus standing before the Father, pleading with Him to show us mercy when we fail. But that is not the case. Christ's intercession for us has to do with Satan's accusations against us. You see, the devil comes to God's throne to accuse us of every failure and transgression. He cries, "I want justice. And if You are a just God, You will damn and destroy this person. He deserves it."
But then, Jesus steps in. He does not have to persuade the Father of anything. Rather, He simply declares the victory of His cross. Then He turns to Satan and says, "Didn't you hear the trumpet sound? You have no claim over this child of Mine. Keep your hands off My property!"
Second, Christ's intercession for us means He makes certain that we obtain and enjoy all the benefits provided by Jubilee. Just as the Levites enforced the law that provided every man with his just blessings, Jesus today enforces the privileges of Jubilee for us. He makes sure we know we are legally free.
Third, Jesus intercedes in our own hearts, reconciling us with the Father. He continually answers our doubts and fears, and reminds us that we forgiven. We can trust in God's faithfulness to provide us with all the power and strength we need.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus' work in heaven is all for us: "He ever liveth to make intercession for [us]" (7:25). Christ does it all for us! What exactly does it mean that "He lives to make intercession for us"? I believe Jesus intercedes for us in three ways:
First, some of us imagine Jesus standing before the Father, pleading with Him to show us mercy when we fail. But that is not the case. Christ's intercession for us has to do with Satan's accusations against us. You see, the devil comes to God's throne to accuse us of every failure and transgression. He cries, "I want justice. And if You are a just God, You will damn and destroy this person. He deserves it."
But then, Jesus steps in. He does not have to persuade the Father of anything. Rather, He simply declares the victory of His cross. Then He turns to Satan and says, "Didn't you hear the trumpet sound? You have no claim over this child of Mine. Keep your hands off My property!"
Second, Christ's intercession for us means He makes certain that we obtain and enjoy all the benefits provided by Jubilee. Just as the Levites enforced the law that provided every man with his just blessings, Jesus today enforces the privileges of Jubilee for us. He makes sure we know we are legally free.
Third, Jesus intercedes in our own hearts, reconciling us with the Father. He continually answers our doubts and fears, and reminds us that we forgiven. We can trust in God's faithfulness to provide us with all the power and strength we need.