Names of Jesus Series: Episode 19 Jesus the Priest

Hello, my walking friend! It’s another day to get our bodies moving and our hearts and minds focused on Jesus. I know that 10 minutes might not seem like a lot, but if that’s all you have, then yay you for taking these 10 minutes to walk and spend time with Jesus. And even 10 minutes a day can do good things for your health!

Today is the 19^th episode in the names of Jesus series. When you read the Bible, you will find many references to priests. The priests were men who were servants of God who made sacrifices on behalf of the people. But there was one priest unlike any other. Today we are reflecting on Jesus, the Priest.

Our verse to meditate on today is Hebrews 9:11-12 NIV:

But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

In the Old Testament, priests were a chosen group of people, chosen by God, to serve Him and act as a mediator between the people and God. Because no one could uphold the Mosaic law perfectly, the priests were responsible for making animal sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people. 

But in Paul’s letter to the Hebrews, he says:

There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf. He is the kind of high priest we need because he is holy and blameless, unstained by sin. 

Jesus is the only priest we will ever need!

Now let’s take a little time to meditate on Hebrews 9:11-12:

But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

Did Jesus reveal anything special to you as you meditated on the verse? 

Here’s what Jesus revealed to me as I studied and meditated on this verse:

Jesus is the everlasting Priest, the High Priest, who allows you to enter the holy of holies, not by the blood of an animal, but by his blood. His body is the perfect tabernacle that replaces the tabernacle of old. When he finished his sacrificial work on the cross, the veil in the tabernacle tore from top to bottom. This represents his finished work, coming from heaven to earth, the ultimate sacrifice that opens the way for you to come to the throne of God. The human hands of priests could never complete this because they were only a representation of the greater Priest that was to come – Jesus. He is the Priest, the High Priest, the way, the truth, and the life, and no one can come into the holy of holies without him. And Jesus has called us, he has called you, to become a priest for him, to do his work while you are on this earth. It is holy work he has called you to do and he will empower you to fulfill it, for he has promised to complete the good work he has  begun in you. 

Let’s take some time to meditate again on Jesus, the Priest, and what that means to us. 

You are now at the halfway point of your walk. If you need to be back in 10 minutes, this would be the time to turn around and head back.

Now I am going to pray for us:

Dear Jesus,

I know that, on my own, I am not worthy of being a priest for you. But I praise you because you give me the purpose, the plan, and the power to do your work while I am here on earth. I praise you, Jesus, for allowing me to be a part of your team. Even though I am a flawed human being, you still allow me to be a part of your kingdom plans here on earth. That thought is overwhelming! Thank you for being my high priest and for making a way for me to enter the holy of holies. Help me to never take this amazing blessing for granted. Please continue to guide me along your path and help me live according to your will for me. Thank you for always walking with me, Jesus, my High Priest. Amen.

Here are some questions for you to consider:

What does it mean to you to be a priest for Jesus? What attributes might a priest have? Take some time to answer that now.

Take a moment to consider what it means to enter the holy of holies. 

Many say Christianity is the only religion where God is reaching down to humans instead of humans trying to reach up to God. Do you ever feel you are striving to reach up to God? How does it make you feel to know you don’t have to because, through Jesus, God came down to you? Consider your answer now.

Before we wrap up, listen to today’s verse one last time Hebrews 9:11-12:

But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption.

Is there anything else you would like to talk to Jesus about? Remember, he is right there with you, walking with you, and he is eager for you to share all that is on your heart and mind with him. Take some time to talk to Jesus now.

Way to go, my friend! You did it! 10 minutes of walking! Give yourself a pat on the back! Thank you for taking the time to walk with me, my friend. But more importantly, you walked with Jesus! Are you feeling a little more priestly after learning about Jesus, the Priest? I hope so!  

For more Walk with Jesus resources, including the Walk with Jesus 21 day scripture, devotional, and guided prayer journal book for walkers, go to WalkwithJesusDevotional.com. The October edition focuses on the names of Jesus and is a part of this series. You will find the URL for this book and other resources in the podcast show notes. 

 I hope we can walk together again tomorrow, friend. In our next episode we will consider another name of Jesus – Jesus the Lamb of God. Until then, God bless you as you walk with Jesus.