2024_12_15 Sermon Notes and Discussion Questions
December 15, 2024

Advent 2024 (Part 3): Jesus, the High Priest

Psalm 110- Jesus, the High Priest

  • (V. 1-3) A King rules with God’s Authority
  • (V. 4-7) A Priest mediates between man and God


The Story of Melchizedek

  • Abraham encountering Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-20, Hebrews 7:1-3)
  • He is unique because:
    • 1) He has no genealogy
    • 2) He’s a worshipper of the One True God
    • 3) He’s both king and priest


The Importance of Priests

  • The Pagans needed the priests to assure themselves they were accepted.
  • The Jews needed the priests to be assured that God accepted their sacrifices.
  • Today - People may not think of priests, but we still look for assurance that God has accepted us, usually by judging ourselves.


Jesus, the High Priest

  • All the Old Testament systems point us to Christ (Hebrews 10:1-3. Colossians 2:16-17)
  • Jesus is the only Advocate who doesn’t need to make sacrifices for Himself (Hebrews 7:23-26)
  • Jesus is the only Advocate who comes to the Judge with His own sacrifice (Hebrews 7:27-28, 1 John 1:8-9)


What Now? (Hebrews 12:1-2, Hebrews 4:14-16)

1 . Hold fast to your confession.
2. Approach the throne of grace with boldness.
3. Find mercy and grace to help us in our time of need.



Small Group Discussion Questions

  1. The sermon used the metaphor of standing unshielded in 120-degree heat to describe God’s holiness. How does this image help you understand the tension between God’s holiness and our humanity? How does Jesus resolve that tension?


  2. The sermon described how pagans and the Jews relied on priests for assurance that their worship was accepted. What are ways people today, including Christians, try to reassure themselves that they are accepted by God? How do these compare to the assurance Jesus provides?


  3. Melchizedek is introduced as both king and priest (Genesis 14:18-20, Hebrews 7:1-3). Why do you think Melchizedek’s dual role is important in pointing us to Jesus? What does it show us about the kind of Savior Jesus is?


  4. Hebrews 7:23-27 contrasts Jesus with the Old Testament priests. Why is it important that Jesus doesn’t need to make sacrifices for Himself? How does this truth deepen your confidence in His ability to intercede for you?


  5. Hebrews 7:25 says Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through Him. How does knowing that Jesus “always lives to intercede” for you impact your confidence in your salvation?


  6. The sermon emphasized that Jesus doesn’t advocate for us by asking for leniency but by pointing to His finished work on the cross. How does this understanding of Jesus as your Advocate change how you approach God when you’ve sinned?


  7. Hebrews 4:14-16 tells us to approach the throne of grace with boldness. What does it look like for you to approach God with boldness? How might this command change the way you pray or view your relationship with Him?


  8. Hebrews 12:1-2 calls us to fix our eyes on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of our faith. What distractions or challenges keep you from fixing your eyes on Jesus? How can you prioritize worshiping and depending on Him this week?