Posted: 3/15/05
LifeWay Family Bible Series for March 27
Jesus as high priest intercedes for all humanity
Mark 16:1-7; Hebrews 7:1-9:14
By Mitch Randall
First Baptist Church, Bedford
“Consequently, he is able for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. For it was fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, blameless, undefiled, separated from sinners and exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he had no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once and for all when he offered himself” (Hebrews 7:25-27).
The shadows of early Sunday morning (Mark 16:1-7)
Jesus had been dead for three full days according the Jewish custom of counting days. Since Friday evening, the disciples and other followers had wondered how this ending could have come. Their disbelief was great. Jesus was not supposed to die. The kingdom of God was at hand. He had even said so himself.
Yet, they had seen it for themselves. The Romans beat him violently. The Jewish leaders conspired in secrecy to get rid of him. His own disciple betrayed him for 30 pieces of silver. And to culminate it all, everyone had seen his horrifying crucifixion. Upon that wooden cross which history would come to renown, Jesus died. Astonishingly, he was dead and gone. Joseph and Nicodemus had even seen to his burial in the garden.
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The shadows of early Sunday morning cast upon a grieving group of women coming to anoint their Lord. Their disbelief still was hanging in the air. Their tears still were very real from their grief. Their emotions as raw as they were on crucifixion Friday. With those shadows being cast, they came to the road leading to Jesus' tomb. Mary Magdalene; Mary, the mother of James; and Salome were carrying spices as their conversation quickly went to figuring out how they were going to move the large stone in front of Jesus' tomb.
As they looked up, they were astonished at what they saw. The stone had been moved. Someone from the outside surely was there. At this point, there needs to be some conversation concerning the incredible bravery of these women. There certainly had to be numerous scenarios swimming through their heads, trying to figure out why the stone was moved and who would do such a thing. Grave robbers? Possibly. The Romans? Could have been. The Temple leaders? Most likely. Anyone of them could have come and moved that stone. They all had their reasons. And still yet, anyone of them could have gotten rid of three grieving women if the circumstances were right.
However, the three brave women threw caution to the wind and made their way inside the tomb. Most assuredly shaking with fear, they stooped down and walked through the tomb's opening. Lifting their eyes from the ground, they were astonished at what they saw. A young man was sitting on the right side of the tomb. Their fear risen to a boiling point, they stood face to face with this stranger. Surely, this was the end … or so they thought.
The quandary of early Sunday morning (Mark 16:6-8)
The young man quickly eased their fears, while at the same time raising their fears at what had happened to Jesus. The young man in the tomb announced that Jesus had been raised from the dead. The ancient prophesy had been fulfilled, the promise had been kept and Jesus was alive for all to believe. The young man instructed the women to go and tell the other disciples the good news.
Yet the Gospel of Mark leaves the reader wondering. In the most ancient of manuscripts, the story ends with the women leaving the tomb in fear, only to return home in silence.
The quandary surrounding the ending of Mark is not something that has been left out, but a huge question for any who read it. The reader is left in the same quandary the women find themselves … trying to decipher if the news is true. Is Jesus alive? And if he is, what does it mean?
The celebration of resurrection Sunday
For the author of Hebrews, there was no doubt Jesus had overcome death and was raised on the third day. The author understands Jesus as the High Priest for all humanity. From the inception of the high priestly position, when Aaron was established as the first in the book of Exodus, there had been a long line of high priests who interceded for the people. The high priests were responsible for teaching the children of Israel the ways of God and interceding for them when they found themselves warped in sin. Now, with the death and resurrection of Jesus, the author of Hebrews solidifies his position that Jesus had fulfilled the office for all eternity. No others need apply!
The celebration of resurrection morning is the good news that Jesus intercedes for all of humanity. Because of his great sacrifice, animal sacrifices are no longer needed. Jesus, the Lamb of God, offered himself for our sake. Yet offering himself was not enough. He overcame death to bring about the opportunity for spiritual freedom. Interceding for us, Jesus took on our punishment for sin and gave us an opportunity at a new way of living. Resurrection Sunday reminds us Jesus is our High Priest, offering us the ultimate understanding of God's will and the opportunity at living anew.
Discussion questions
What does the word “intercede” mean to you?
Have you ever interceded for someone?
What do you think of when the office of high priest is mentioned?
How does it make you feel that Jesus interceded for you? Why?
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