2. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood Hebrews 4:14 - 6:20

3. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood  Remember what we’ve learned: -Hebrews is a book written just before the destruction of Jerusalem to predominantly Jewish Christians. -It’s purpose was to prepare them to remain faithful throughout rather than trying to return to Judaism. -It does this by continually showing the superiority of Jesus.

4. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood  4:14-16 introduces the section. “Since” -Jesus as High Priest was introduced back in 2:17 -and was further developed in 3:17.

5. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood, 4:1-16  But what makes Him “great” ? >He passed through the heavens, v.14a cf. 8:1; 9:24; Eph.4:10 >He is the Son of God! v.14b >He can sympathize with our human weaknesses/frailties, v.15a >Yet without sin! v.15b

6. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood, 4:1-16  “Let us therefore…” +hold fast our confession, v.14c Don’t turn back! +draw near with confidence, v.16a Previously forbidden, cf.9:7 & 6:19-20 +to receive mercy, v.16b Which all need because of sin! +finding grace & help in time of need, v.16c The Hebrews time of need was near, 10:25.

7. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood  These things introduce for us the whole notion that Jesus is our High Priest.  And that as such, He is superior to anything and anyone from the previous Levitical system!

8. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood, 5:1-4  The Human Levitical Priesthood, v.1 -were from among men- contemporaries (as was Jesus, cf. 4:15) -functioned on behalf of men -in things pertaining to God- intercessors -offer gifts & sacrifices

9. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood, 5:1-4  The Human Levitical Priesthood, v.2 was therefore qualified & sympathetic because of similar frailties.  Therefore, the Levitical Priests offered sacrifices for both himself andthe people whom he served, v.3  He was appointed to his post by God, v.4 as was Aaron.

10. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood, 5:5-10  But Jesus was also “appointed” vv.5-6 He did not “glorify Himself”.  Therefore, being legitimately appointed, He: >prayed & was heard because of His piety,v.7 >yet learned obedience through suffering, v.8 >and was “perfected” v.9a cf.2:10, 7:28, Lk.13:32 (marginal reading) >became the Source of salvation, v.9b

11. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood, 5:11-14  Remember the structure of Hebrews: >a comparison showing the superiority of Jesus >followed by a warning >and an exhortation. Remember also that the warning/exhortation sections are almost if not altogether parenthetical. 5:11 - 6:20 follows this pattern of warning and exhortation.

12. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood, 5:11-14  Jesus as a Priest of Melchizedek was “hard to explain” because: (warning) -hearers dull of hearing, v.11 -they needed teaching again though they should have been teachers, v.12a -they were immature, vv.12b-14 What was to be done about their immaturity?

13. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood, 6:1-3  “Therefore…” (warning, continued) +leave fundamentals and grow up spiritually, vv.1-3 +Note the fundamentals listed- are they things you understand well enough to leave? If not, why not? Immature?

14. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood, 6:4-8  Otherwise, you may end up being burned, vv.4-8 (warning completed) >it can become impossible to be renewed to repentance, vv.4-6 and >only those yielding good fruit are blessed by God, v.7 >those producing thorns & thistles end up being burned! v.8

15. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood, 6:9-18  “But…” vv.9-18 (the exhortation portion) “we are convinced of better things for you” Because: +God won’t forget your past good, v.10 +you are going to be diligent, v.11 +and you are going to be patient, v.12 +of the example of God & Abraham, vv.13-18

16. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood, 6:19-20  The result of these things? vv.19-20 Your hope (based upon your faith, diligence, patience and God’s promise & purpose) will be your “anchor” in the midst of these troubled seas ahead of you! You will enter within the veil of heaven!

17. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood  What’s all this mean to you and me? What lessons should we learn? 1. We have a great High Priest in Jesus Christ- One who understands our weaknesses and makes intercession for us before God. 2. But we must also do our part- by holding fast, drawing near through faithful obedience to receive help in our time of need. 3. Otherwise, we too can be burned up!

18. Hebrews, #3 Jesus is Superior to the Levitical Priesthood  So…. 1. Don’t become dull of hearing; or 2. Stuck in the rut of immaturity! 3. Be sure your knowledge, faith, and obedience are growing. Then your anchor of hope will keep you steadfast secured to salvation no matter how the storms of life rage!