“…merciful and faithful High Priest…” Hebrews 2:17b

When Hebrews was codified, the next section of the letter was given a separate chapter which further substantiated the legitimacy of Jesus being the promised Messiah. Verses one through four listed six ‘proofs’ of such:

1.   The angelic announcements to Mary, Joseph, and the shepherds was binding, in that they were bringing heaven’s news to earth (v.2a; Lk. 1:26-38; Mt. 1:18-25; Lk. 2:8-20).

2.   All violations and every disobedience against God was met through the death of Jesus Christ (v.2b; read v.10; Is. 53:3-12; Lk. 24:25-26, 46; Ac. 3:18, 17:2-3, 26:22-23; 1 Co. 15:3).

3.   The plan of salvation was first announced by God in the Garden of Eden after Adam and Eve ate the forbidden fruit (Ge. 3:14-15).

4.   The truth of Jesus’ life was told by His disciples who walked with Him through three years of ministry and teaching (Lk. 1:1-3; 1 Jn. 1:1-3).

5.   Jesus’ own life testified to His power over nature and earthly limitations, the infirmities of man, as well as the sin which enslaves people’s minds (Is. 7:14; Mt. 1:18-25; Lk. 1:27-34; Jn. 2:1-11; Mt. 8:23-27; Mk. 4:35-41; Lk. 8:22-25; Mt. 17:24-27; Mt. 14:15-21; Mt. 15:29-39; Mt. 4:23-25; Mt. 8:1-3; Mt. 9:20-22, 35; Mk. 2:9-12; Lk. 17:12-16; Jn. 9:6-7; Mt. 9:1-8; Mk. 2:1-12).

6.   Jesus promised the disciples of supernatural power they would receive after His ascension (Ac. 1:8; 2:1-4).

The writer of Hebrews advises Believers to review the six proofs often so as not to drift away from the faith (v.1). Jesus continues to work through His plan to one day return to this small spot of the universe He created to claim His bride – the church – and remake this world… renewing all things. When all things are made new, Christ will reign as King of kings… everything will under His loving sovereignty (vv. 5-8a). The writer called attention to the fact that angels will not rule the new earth, Jesus will (v.5a).

Jesus, through His suffering and death, is bringing many to the joy of heaven, and Who Himself was shown as perfect through it, by suffering for sins which He Himself did not commit (v.10). It is this same Jesus Who will announce each Believer as holy, just as He is holy… declaring each name as part of the heavenly family (vv. 11-15).

It is Jesus Who became flesh… became human… so that He might become our merciful and faithful High Priest. He is able to sympathize for us in a very real way when we go to Him in prayer, when struggling with sin, and when overwhelmed by failure, for He suffered when He was tempted (Mt. 4:1-11).

Have you reviewed the six proofs recently? Review them again, and thank Him for being The High Priest we can trust.

Have a blessed day…