WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:08.040 And please turn, if you will, to Hebrews 4.14 through to 5.10, page 1003, I think it is in your Bibles. 00:00:11.500 --> 00:00:25.019 Do you ever think, no one knows what I'm going through? No one knows what I'm going through. No one feels what I feel. No one has to face what I face. 00:00:25.019 --> 00:00:32.500 But, when we do think like that, we are of course in one sense right. No one does know what we feel. 00:00:32.880 --> 00:00:37.259 Isn't it one of the most patronising things in the world when you're going through something and someone comes up and says, 00:00:37.500 --> 00:00:46.120 Oh, I know exactly how you feel. No you don't. No you don't. You might have had a similar experience but actually you do not know what it feels like. 00:00:46.119 --> 00:00:55.539 And yet, there is one who does understand. There is one who can sympathise with us in all our weaknesses. 00:00:56.879 --> 00:01:02.479 As Wesley's great words put it there, this man is God indeed. This great high priest. 00:01:04.140 --> 00:01:07.500 On a human level, we're so aware that we don't understand how other people feel, do we? 00:01:07.500 --> 00:01:17.879 And, Maryle and I discovered just earlier this week, a friend of ours let us know, that her 40 year old sister committed suicide last Saturday. 00:01:18.859 --> 00:01:22.379 Now this comes three months after her father committed suicide back in October. 00:01:23.219 --> 00:01:26.319 We cannot possibly understand what she's going through. 00:01:26.420 --> 00:01:31.719 She sent an email out this week saying this to many friends. 00:01:31.719 --> 00:01:59.359 How do we pray for a friend like that? 00:01:59.359 --> 00:02:01.959 How do we support a family like that? 00:02:02.480 --> 00:02:04.019 I don't know how she feels. 00:02:04.599 --> 00:02:06.959 I can't begin to imagine the struggles she's going through. 00:02:07.980 --> 00:02:10.680 But there is hope. There is hope. 00:02:11.599 --> 00:02:15.800 We find that hope put so clearly, don't we, here in Hebrews 4 and 5. 00:02:16.599 --> 00:02:17.419 There is hope. 00:02:18.579 --> 00:02:19.479 And he has a name. 00:02:21.139 --> 00:02:23.240 He is Jesus, our great high priest. 00:02:23.639 --> 00:02:26.180 The God-man, the incarnate Son of God. 00:02:26.180 --> 00:02:31.900 The writer for the Hebrews is writing to these Christians who are on the verge of packing it in. 00:02:33.000 --> 00:02:34.219 They've suffered persecution. 00:02:34.420 --> 00:02:35.240 Some have been imprisoned. 00:02:35.400 --> 00:02:37.980 They've had goods and possessions confiscated. 00:02:38.360 --> 00:02:40.120 The Christian life is hard for them. 00:02:41.240 --> 00:02:44.540 Judaism, which is what most of them have come out from, looks so much easier. 00:02:44.640 --> 00:02:47.360 It's a legitimate religion in the Roman Empire. 00:02:47.480 --> 00:02:49.600 They could practice their Judaism freely. 00:02:50.020 --> 00:02:53.420 They'd be welcomed back into the communities in which they'd grown up, in which they'd been a part. 00:02:53.419 --> 00:02:55.379 It looks so easy to head back. 00:02:56.159 --> 00:03:00.159 And yet the writer has given them this warning, before the verses we read in chapter 4. 00:03:00.619 --> 00:03:03.179 He's reminded them of the Exodus generation. 00:03:04.199 --> 00:03:05.619 Who'd seen God's work. 00:03:05.699 --> 00:03:07.959 Who'd heard the good news that God had come to save. 00:03:08.739 --> 00:03:12.939 Who had the great promise of God's rest in the promised land held out to them. 00:03:13.359 --> 00:03:15.139 And yet had failed to enter that. 00:03:15.759 --> 00:03:17.259 Because they had failed to persevere. 00:03:18.139 --> 00:03:20.060 That message had not been met by faith. 00:03:20.060 --> 00:03:25.240 So the writer is exhorting them, urging them, to continue in faith. 00:03:26.020 --> 00:03:28.759 To meet this good news message and not to be found to fall short. 00:03:28.939 --> 00:03:31.719 But to hold on for that rest that is coming. 00:03:32.420 --> 00:03:35.280 It might be a battle now, but there will be rest one day. 00:03:35.699 --> 00:03:38.960 As we fully enter into the Sabbath rest God has for his people. 00:03:39.800 --> 00:03:42.080 And what's the encouragement he gives them to persevere? 00:03:42.800 --> 00:03:43.480 To hold on? 00:03:44.460 --> 00:03:45.480 It's verse 14. 00:03:45.479 --> 00:03:49.719 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens. 00:03:49.859 --> 00:03:51.139 Jesus the Son of God. 00:03:51.899 --> 00:03:54.399 Let us hold fast to our confession. 00:03:55.500 --> 00:03:58.459 Now we're not going to look at all the details in this amazing passage tonight. 00:03:58.579 --> 00:04:01.219 But we're going to look at two questions very briefly. 00:04:02.379 --> 00:04:04.500 So what makes Jesus a great high priest? 00:04:04.659 --> 00:04:05.159 So what? 00:04:05.339 --> 00:04:06.179 And then now what? 00:04:06.579 --> 00:04:08.500 So what makes Jesus a great high priest? 00:04:08.699 --> 00:04:10.259 And now what do we do? 00:04:10.819 --> 00:04:12.679 Now what impact should that have on us? 00:04:12.680 --> 00:04:16.680 So first of all, what makes Jesus a great high priest? 00:04:16.759 --> 00:04:19.480 There are really three things the writer mentions here. 00:04:19.560 --> 00:04:22.840 His appointment, his position and his experience. 00:04:23.800 --> 00:04:25.939 His appointment, his position and his experience. 00:04:26.699 --> 00:04:28.800 Let's look down to chapter 5 verse 1 for a moment. 00:04:29.300 --> 00:04:31.460 We see what high priests had to be like. 00:04:32.060 --> 00:04:38.319 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God. 00:04:38.879 --> 00:04:40.759 To offer gifts and sacrifices for sin. 00:04:40.759 --> 00:04:45.279 So first qualification of being a high priest was he has to be appointed from among men. 00:04:47.240 --> 00:04:48.899 This person has to be a man. 00:04:50.579 --> 00:04:51.860 He has to be a man. 00:04:51.959 --> 00:04:53.639 He has to be a human being. 00:04:54.060 --> 00:04:55.019 To be the link. 00:04:55.480 --> 00:04:57.000 To represent God to humans. 00:04:57.759 --> 00:05:00.319 To be the high priest representing one to the other. 00:05:01.000 --> 00:05:02.480 And Jesus was indeed appointed. 00:05:02.620 --> 00:05:03.319 So verse 6. 00:05:03.639 --> 00:05:05.039 The writer quotes Psalm 110. 00:05:06.019 --> 00:05:07.279 Yes, Jesus is our king. 00:05:07.420 --> 00:05:09.319 Psalm 2, which Chris preached on a couple of weeks ago. 00:05:09.319 --> 00:05:10.719 Which is quoted in verse 5. 00:05:11.099 --> 00:05:12.219 But he is also our priest. 00:05:12.339 --> 00:05:13.000 Psalm 110. 00:05:14.120 --> 00:05:15.060 In another place. 00:05:15.240 --> 00:05:16.699 You are a priest forever. 00:05:17.139 --> 00:05:19.040 After the order of Melchizedek. 00:05:20.019 --> 00:05:22.199 Melchizedek is this very mysterious guy. 00:05:22.300 --> 00:05:24.240 Who appears briefly in Genesis. 00:05:24.879 --> 00:05:25.920 Blessing Abraham. 00:05:26.259 --> 00:05:27.139 After a battle. 00:05:27.500 --> 00:05:28.539 And disappears again. 00:05:28.800 --> 00:05:30.680 We don't hear of him again until Psalm 110. 00:05:30.680 --> 00:05:33.860 And then all is quiet until Hebrews chapter 4. 00:05:34.300 --> 00:05:35.759 Or Hebrews chapter 5 rather. 00:05:36.100 --> 00:05:37.000 And he pops up again. 00:05:38.400 --> 00:05:39.699 Appointed by God. 00:05:40.120 --> 00:05:40.759 That is the point. 00:05:40.879 --> 00:05:41.959 Jesus has been appointed. 00:05:42.220 --> 00:05:43.019 From among men. 00:05:43.139 --> 00:05:43.780 He is a man. 00:05:44.660 --> 00:05:46.420 But he is of this different order of priests. 00:05:46.500 --> 00:05:47.500 Not descended from Aaron. 00:05:48.420 --> 00:05:49.800 But of this priesthood. 00:05:51.160 --> 00:05:53.040 Chosen directly by God. 00:05:53.120 --> 00:05:54.920 Without lineage or ancestry. 00:05:54.920 --> 00:05:56.400 As the writer says later on. 00:05:56.500 --> 00:05:57.140 Not Chisedek. 00:05:58.199 --> 00:05:58.980 He is a man. 00:05:59.080 --> 00:05:59.939 Appointed by God. 00:06:00.000 --> 00:06:01.620 So that is what made Jesus our great high priest. 00:06:02.040 --> 00:06:02.620 His appointment. 00:06:03.400 --> 00:06:03.840 But secondly. 00:06:03.980 --> 00:06:04.580 His position. 00:06:05.120 --> 00:06:05.879 Verse 14. 00:06:05.980 --> 00:06:07.060 Going back to that for a moment. 00:06:07.819 --> 00:06:09.000 We are the great high priest. 00:06:09.360 --> 00:06:10.960 Who has passed through the heavens. 00:06:11.860 --> 00:06:13.240 Jesus the son of God. 00:06:13.960 --> 00:06:15.200 There is a contrast here. 00:06:15.700 --> 00:06:16.900 The high priest on earth. 00:06:17.259 --> 00:06:18.920 Stood and ministered in an earthly tabernacle. 00:06:19.560 --> 00:06:20.580 Which was a model. 00:06:21.020 --> 00:06:21.620 A prototype. 00:06:22.120 --> 00:06:23.720 Of the true heavenly place. 00:06:24.439 --> 00:06:25.580 And they couldn't go in. 00:06:26.040 --> 00:06:27.699 Or the high priest could go in once a year. 00:06:27.759 --> 00:06:28.699 To the Holy of Holies. 00:06:28.980 --> 00:06:30.600 Having offered special sacrifices. 00:06:31.160 --> 00:06:32.420 So there is this limited access. 00:06:33.560 --> 00:06:34.280 Whereas Jesus. 00:06:34.460 --> 00:06:35.520 Our great high priest. 00:06:35.759 --> 00:06:37.740 Hasn't just gone into some earthly sanctuary. 00:06:37.860 --> 00:06:39.600 But he has gone all through the heavens. 00:06:40.759 --> 00:06:42.160 That is the point the writer is making. 00:06:42.160 --> 00:06:43.439 He has free access. 00:06:43.819 --> 00:06:44.680 He has gone there. 00:06:44.759 --> 00:06:45.319 He has done it. 00:06:45.400 --> 00:06:46.240 He has triumphed. 00:06:46.540 --> 00:06:46.939 He has now. 00:06:47.360 --> 00:06:48.520 Chapter 12 verse 2. 00:06:48.519 --> 00:06:49.959 He puts it seated at the right hand. 00:06:49.979 --> 00:06:50.979 Of the majesty in heaven. 00:06:51.579 --> 00:06:52.939 He has complete access. 00:06:53.439 --> 00:06:54.319 He is the expert. 00:06:54.699 --> 00:06:56.819 He is there in the place we most need him. 00:07:00.339 --> 00:07:01.479 There is a great contrast. 00:07:01.579 --> 00:07:02.560 To the earthly high priest. 00:07:03.359 --> 00:07:04.139 Or the contrast. 00:07:04.259 --> 00:07:05.139 To the kind of high priest. 00:07:05.219 --> 00:07:06.139 People look to today. 00:07:07.219 --> 00:07:08.699 The financial advisors. 00:07:09.180 --> 00:07:10.240 The fitness coaches. 00:07:10.240 --> 00:07:11.039 The people who we hope. 00:07:11.180 --> 00:07:12.279 Can give us life or security. 00:07:12.439 --> 00:07:12.859 For the future. 00:07:14.299 --> 00:07:15.500 Or the Hindu gurus. 00:07:15.759 --> 00:07:17.699 Or the Buddhist monks and teachers. 00:07:17.699 --> 00:07:18.920 The lifestyle coaches. 00:07:19.719 --> 00:07:21.079 Who think they know the truth. 00:07:21.159 --> 00:07:22.219 And can give great advice. 00:07:23.479 --> 00:07:24.680 Now Jesus is far better. 00:07:25.599 --> 00:07:27.000 He is not just a lifestyle coach. 00:07:27.599 --> 00:07:28.879 He is not just a guru. 00:07:29.000 --> 00:07:30.019 Who might think he knows something. 00:07:30.839 --> 00:07:31.899 He is a high priest. 00:07:32.339 --> 00:07:33.560 Who has gone through the heavens. 00:07:33.759 --> 00:07:34.519 He has seen it all. 00:07:34.620 --> 00:07:35.339 He knows it all. 00:07:35.919 --> 00:07:36.500 And he is there. 00:07:36.620 --> 00:07:38.259 At the right hand of the majesty in heaven. 00:07:39.099 --> 00:07:39.919 So his appointment. 00:07:40.039 --> 00:07:40.959 He is appointed by God. 00:07:41.000 --> 00:07:41.480 His position. 00:07:41.599 --> 00:07:42.360 He is there in the heavens. 00:07:42.360 --> 00:07:44.500 And his experience. 00:07:46.379 --> 00:07:47.180 His experience. 00:07:47.280 --> 00:07:48.280 Look at verse 15. 00:07:48.280 --> 00:07:50.020 We do not have a high priest. 00:07:50.100 --> 00:07:51.699 Who is unable to sympathize. 00:07:51.840 --> 00:07:52.480 With our weaknesses. 00:07:53.639 --> 00:07:55.180 But one who in every respect. 00:07:55.340 --> 00:07:56.660 Has been tempted as we are. 00:07:57.139 --> 00:07:58.060 Yet without sin. 00:07:59.780 --> 00:08:01.319 That's the first part of the experience. 00:08:01.439 --> 00:08:02.720 He resisted temptations. 00:08:03.540 --> 00:08:04.060 But secondly. 00:08:04.759 --> 00:08:06.240 He learned obedience. 00:08:06.420 --> 00:08:07.139 Just as we must. 00:08:07.199 --> 00:08:08.300 Look at verse 8. 00:08:08.780 --> 00:08:09.420 Verse 7. 00:08:09.420 --> 00:08:11.140 In the days of his flesh. 00:08:11.580 --> 00:08:12.100 Jesus. 00:08:12.980 --> 00:08:13.780 Notice he uses. 00:08:14.480 --> 00:08:15.980 The personal name. 00:08:16.400 --> 00:08:17.360 The human name. 00:08:17.480 --> 00:08:17.780 Jesus. 00:08:18.319 --> 00:08:19.540 The days of his flesh. 00:08:20.040 --> 00:08:21.860 Emphasizing the physical weakness. 00:08:22.020 --> 00:08:22.900 Of human existence. 00:08:23.480 --> 00:08:24.500 In those days. 00:08:25.080 --> 00:08:26.660 Jesus offered up prayers. 00:08:26.800 --> 00:08:27.780 And supplications. 00:08:28.120 --> 00:08:29.400 With loud cries. 00:08:29.540 --> 00:08:30.040 And tears. 00:08:30.120 --> 00:08:30.460 To him. 00:08:30.759 --> 00:08:32.200 Who was able to save him from death. 00:08:32.500 --> 00:08:33.960 He was heard because of his reference. 00:08:34.539 --> 00:08:35.840 Although he was a son. 00:08:35.840 --> 00:08:37.879 He learned obedience. 00:08:38.100 --> 00:08:38.860 Through what he suffered. 00:08:39.939 --> 00:08:41.399 This is why he's a great high priest. 00:08:41.500 --> 00:08:42.879 Because of his experience. 00:08:43.519 --> 00:08:43.819 Firstly. 00:08:43.959 --> 00:08:45.159 He resisted temptation. 00:08:45.699 --> 00:08:46.379 As we must. 00:08:46.779 --> 00:08:47.379 And secondly. 00:08:47.639 --> 00:08:48.839 He learned obedience. 00:08:48.959 --> 00:08:49.839 Or grew in faith. 00:08:49.919 --> 00:08:50.419 We could say. 00:08:50.740 --> 00:08:51.439 As we must. 00:08:51.459 --> 00:08:52.500 We'll look at those two things. 00:08:53.019 --> 00:08:53.620 Separately. 00:08:53.719 --> 00:08:54.399 So first of all. 00:08:55.620 --> 00:08:57.839 He resisted the temptations we faced. 00:08:58.519 --> 00:08:59.120 He was tempted. 00:08:59.279 --> 00:08:59.819 Verse 14. 00:08:59.939 --> 00:09:01.159 In every respect. 00:09:01.819 --> 00:09:02.699 As we are. 00:09:03.179 --> 00:09:04.240 Yet without sin. 00:09:05.500 --> 00:09:05.899 Now. 00:09:06.259 --> 00:09:07.879 We may have an objection at this point. 00:09:07.879 --> 00:09:09.820 If we've read James. 00:09:10.240 --> 00:09:10.439 No. 00:09:10.539 --> 00:09:11.939 James chapter 1 verse 13. 00:09:12.059 --> 00:09:12.519 Tells us. 00:09:12.879 --> 00:09:14.000 God cannot be tempted. 00:09:15.139 --> 00:09:15.820 So here we think. 00:09:15.899 --> 00:09:16.879 That Jesus' temptations. 00:09:16.960 --> 00:09:18.220 Were just a kind of mirage. 00:09:18.299 --> 00:09:20.100 Just a theological construct. 00:09:20.240 --> 00:09:21.139 To make us feel better. 00:09:22.840 --> 00:09:23.120 Well. 00:09:23.539 --> 00:09:24.379 To understand this. 00:09:24.439 --> 00:09:25.019 We need to remember. 00:09:25.259 --> 00:09:27.220 That Jesus had two natures. 00:09:27.779 --> 00:09:28.960 Two natures in one. 00:09:29.519 --> 00:09:30.820 They were not confused or missed. 00:09:31.220 --> 00:09:32.639 As those of you who are in Sunday school class. 00:09:32.720 --> 00:09:32.980 This morning. 00:09:33.039 --> 00:09:33.500 Will have heard. 00:09:34.299 --> 00:09:35.779 That there are two natures in one. 00:09:35.779 --> 00:09:37.220 In his divine nature. 00:09:38.139 --> 00:09:38.480 Yes. 00:09:38.519 --> 00:09:39.379 He was fully God. 00:09:39.459 --> 00:09:40.559 He could not be tempted. 00:09:40.899 --> 00:09:41.699 As God. 00:09:42.439 --> 00:09:43.819 Yet in his human nature. 00:09:44.399 --> 00:09:45.299 As a person. 00:09:45.539 --> 00:09:46.459 He could be tempted. 00:09:47.720 --> 00:09:48.039 Now. 00:09:48.079 --> 00:09:49.620 He had an advantage that we don't have. 00:09:49.679 --> 00:09:51.079 He was born without sin. 00:09:51.699 --> 00:09:53.339 All of us have been descended from Adam. 00:09:53.419 --> 00:09:54.799 All of us are normal human beings. 00:09:54.860 --> 00:09:56.279 That means everyone else has ever lived. 00:09:56.860 --> 00:09:58.159 Are all Adam's descendants. 00:09:58.319 --> 00:09:59.679 We all have a sinful nature. 00:09:59.759 --> 00:10:01.039 We all have that inbuilt bias. 00:10:01.100 --> 00:10:02.120 To rebel against God. 00:10:02.120 --> 00:10:04.019 Jesus didn't have that. 00:10:05.399 --> 00:10:07.080 But that doesn't mean he wasn't tempted. 00:10:08.200 --> 00:10:10.679 Adam didn't have that bias. 00:10:11.120 --> 00:10:12.799 He was created without sin. 00:10:13.460 --> 00:10:14.620 Yet he fell very quickly. 00:10:14.720 --> 00:10:15.120 Didn't he? 00:10:15.940 --> 00:10:18.080 So Jesus was tempted in every way. 00:10:18.200 --> 00:10:18.919 As we are. 00:10:20.860 --> 00:10:21.259 And. 00:10:22.060 --> 00:10:23.779 As God incarnate. 00:10:24.039 --> 00:10:25.440 He limited himself. 00:10:25.940 --> 00:10:27.740 To being a human being. 00:10:27.960 --> 00:10:28.320 If you like. 00:10:28.320 --> 00:10:28.680 Jesus. 00:10:29.460 --> 00:10:30.620 Jesus didn't suddenly use. 00:10:30.980 --> 00:10:31.940 Supernatural powers. 00:10:32.040 --> 00:10:33.400 To make life easier for himself. 00:10:34.000 --> 00:10:34.580 When tempted. 00:10:34.760 --> 00:10:35.280 He didn't kind of. 00:10:35.600 --> 00:10:37.580 Call his divine nature into play. 00:10:37.920 --> 00:10:39.200 And get rid of the temptation. 00:10:40.760 --> 00:10:41.180 Again. 00:10:41.300 --> 00:10:42.360 Think back to him being tempted. 00:10:42.480 --> 00:10:42.980 In the wilderness. 00:10:43.720 --> 00:10:44.379 As Satan comes. 00:10:44.500 --> 00:10:44.580 And says. 00:10:44.680 --> 00:10:45.060 Come on. 00:10:45.320 --> 00:10:46.260 Turn these loaves of. 00:10:46.400 --> 00:10:47.740 Turn these stones. 00:10:47.879 --> 00:10:48.740 Into loaves of bread. 00:10:49.420 --> 00:10:51.060 Jesus resists the temptation. 00:10:51.640 --> 00:10:52.220 To use his. 00:10:53.220 --> 00:10:53.880 Use the fact. 00:10:53.940 --> 00:10:55.280 He was God incarnate. 00:10:55.280 --> 00:10:56.580 To make bread for himself. 00:10:56.580 --> 00:10:58.840 He didn't have a sort of. 00:10:59.139 --> 00:10:59.580 Divine. 00:10:59.720 --> 00:11:01.139 Get out of jail free card. 00:11:01.259 --> 00:11:02.620 When temptation came calling. 00:11:04.000 --> 00:11:05.200 He resisted. 00:11:05.900 --> 00:11:06.800 In Philippians 2. 00:11:06.879 --> 00:11:07.860 Paul talks about Jesus. 00:11:08.740 --> 00:11:09.660 Emptying himself. 00:11:09.780 --> 00:11:10.980 Taking the nature of a servant. 00:11:12.360 --> 00:11:13.240 He emptied himself. 00:11:13.340 --> 00:11:14.180 Of the right. 00:11:14.879 --> 00:11:16.460 To use his divine powers. 00:11:16.560 --> 00:11:17.100 For himself. 00:11:17.220 --> 00:11:18.020 That's part of what that. 00:11:18.100 --> 00:11:19.120 Emptying was. 00:11:20.400 --> 00:11:20.759 And so. 00:11:20.860 --> 00:11:21.900 When he faced temptation. 00:11:22.320 --> 00:11:23.600 He used the resources. 00:11:23.600 --> 00:11:24.259 We have. 00:11:24.879 --> 00:11:26.400 He used the word of God. 00:11:26.399 --> 00:11:26.919 Remember that. 00:11:27.000 --> 00:11:27.679 In the temptations. 00:11:27.799 --> 00:11:28.139 In the wilderness. 00:11:28.559 --> 00:11:29.199 He quotes. 00:11:29.620 --> 00:11:30.159 God's word. 00:11:30.259 --> 00:11:30.919 Back to the devil. 00:11:32.259 --> 00:11:32.740 And of course. 00:11:32.819 --> 00:11:33.220 He was equipped. 00:11:33.340 --> 00:11:34.259 By the spirit of God. 00:11:34.340 --> 00:11:34.740 The spirit. 00:11:34.840 --> 00:11:35.360 Who led him. 00:11:35.639 --> 00:11:36.319 Into the wilderness. 00:11:36.899 --> 00:11:38.240 To face those temptations. 00:11:39.319 --> 00:11:39.939 So he resisted. 00:11:39.959 --> 00:11:40.459 With the word. 00:11:40.559 --> 00:11:41.039 And the spirit. 00:11:41.139 --> 00:11:42.039 What do you and I have. 00:11:42.360 --> 00:11:43.459 To resist temptation with. 00:11:44.139 --> 00:11:44.840 The word. 00:11:45.079 --> 00:11:45.579 And the spirit. 00:11:47.220 --> 00:11:47.819 And remember. 00:11:47.939 --> 00:11:48.939 He resisted temptation. 00:11:49.059 --> 00:11:50.019 To a greater degree. 00:11:50.319 --> 00:11:51.279 Than we ever do. 00:11:52.679 --> 00:11:53.340 One of the things. 00:11:53.340 --> 00:11:54.299 When temptation comes. 00:11:54.439 --> 00:11:54.620 Isn't it. 00:11:54.620 --> 00:11:54.960 Is that. 00:11:55.779 --> 00:11:56.580 It's a relief. 00:11:56.679 --> 00:11:57.360 To give in to it. 00:11:58.159 --> 00:11:59.320 Why do I get angry? 00:11:59.480 --> 00:12:01.159 Why do I shout at my poor children? 00:12:02.340 --> 00:12:03.620 It's because I'll feel better. 00:12:03.620 --> 00:12:04.360 When I do. 00:12:04.879 --> 00:12:05.919 Now then I'll feel bad. 00:12:05.960 --> 00:12:06.759 Because I'll feel guilty. 00:12:07.120 --> 00:12:08.340 But in that instance. 00:12:09.039 --> 00:12:10.139 I give in to the temptation. 00:12:10.279 --> 00:12:11.360 Because it feels relief. 00:12:11.440 --> 00:12:11.799 Doesn't it? 00:12:12.879 --> 00:12:14.500 To those who struggle with pornography. 00:12:14.600 --> 00:12:15.419 That's the thing about it. 00:12:15.440 --> 00:12:15.779 Isn't it? 00:12:16.580 --> 00:12:17.720 In front of the computer screen. 00:12:18.560 --> 00:12:18.919 Relief. 00:12:20.519 --> 00:12:21.860 And then the guilt afterwards. 00:12:21.860 --> 00:12:24.519 And temptation gets bigger and bigger. 00:12:24.519 --> 00:12:24.759 Well. 00:12:25.259 --> 00:12:26.259 Until the relief comes. 00:12:26.300 --> 00:12:26.539 Doesn't it? 00:12:26.580 --> 00:12:27.700 Well think about Jesus. 00:12:28.680 --> 00:12:29.879 Tempted in every way. 00:12:30.019 --> 00:12:30.539 As we are. 00:12:30.919 --> 00:12:32.139 Yet without sin. 00:12:33.039 --> 00:12:34.240 So he kept on resisting. 00:12:34.440 --> 00:12:35.200 Kept on resisting. 00:12:35.399 --> 00:12:36.220 Kept on resisting. 00:12:37.180 --> 00:12:38.399 To the nth degree. 00:12:38.860 --> 00:12:40.100 Further than we ever have. 00:12:40.700 --> 00:12:41.159 So yes. 00:12:41.460 --> 00:12:42.399 He has been tempted. 00:12:43.360 --> 00:12:45.180 He has resisted the temptations we face. 00:12:45.419 --> 00:12:46.920 That's what makes him a great high priest. 00:12:47.019 --> 00:12:48.480 He can pray for us. 00:12:48.480 --> 00:12:50.779 Because he knows what we're like. 00:12:50.860 --> 00:12:52.259 He knows what temptation is like. 00:12:53.740 --> 00:12:55.139 And because he was a human being. 00:12:55.840 --> 00:12:58.019 He faced those temptations in every kind of way. 00:12:58.080 --> 00:12:58.539 As we do. 00:13:00.159 --> 00:13:02.700 When are we often most susceptible to temptation? 00:13:04.159 --> 00:13:05.480 Isn't it when we're tired and hungry? 00:13:06.580 --> 00:13:09.379 Most arguments happen in married life before dinner. 00:13:10.519 --> 00:13:11.039 Top tip. 00:13:11.300 --> 00:13:12.460 Eat a biscuit or something. 00:13:13.960 --> 00:13:15.740 It's true in the Cashman family. 00:13:15.840 --> 00:13:16.659 We look at each other and go. 00:13:16.860 --> 00:13:17.879 We need to eat. 00:13:17.879 --> 00:13:18.120 Eat. 00:13:18.279 --> 00:13:19.379 We need to eat. 00:13:20.320 --> 00:13:21.799 Did Jesus get tired and hungry? 00:13:22.539 --> 00:13:23.480 Of course he did. 00:13:24.039 --> 00:13:25.259 Hungry fasting in the wilderness. 00:13:25.860 --> 00:13:26.259 Tired. 00:13:26.500 --> 00:13:27.299 John chapter 4. 00:13:27.539 --> 00:13:29.080 Sends the disciples off in the village. 00:13:29.299 --> 00:13:31.059 While he sits down by the well. 00:13:31.480 --> 00:13:33.200 Tired and hungry from the journey. 00:13:34.439 --> 00:13:35.419 Mark chapter 4. 00:13:35.740 --> 00:13:37.700 What's Jesus doing in the boat as the storm comes? 00:13:37.879 --> 00:13:38.559 He's tired. 00:13:38.639 --> 00:13:39.120 He's sleeping. 00:13:40.179 --> 00:13:42.120 He physically knew those things. 00:13:42.120 --> 00:13:51.320 We also get tempted towards self-pity and negative thoughts when we feel misunderstood or lonely or isolated. 00:13:52.440 --> 00:13:54.120 How lonely did Jesus feel? 00:13:55.000 --> 00:13:58.899 He gets Peter and John to come with him in the garden and James to pray with him. 00:13:58.899 --> 00:14:00.419 And they fall asleep. 00:14:01.379 --> 00:14:02.139 He's arrested. 00:14:02.279 --> 00:14:03.459 The disciples all run off. 00:14:03.860 --> 00:14:05.000 Did he experience loneliness? 00:14:06.279 --> 00:14:07.240 Oh yes he did. 00:14:09.019 --> 00:14:09.959 Sexual temptation. 00:14:11.299 --> 00:14:14.919 Jesus lived as a single man in a culture where everyone else was getting married. 00:14:16.399 --> 00:14:17.539 He was a man just as we are. 00:14:17.740 --> 00:14:18.699 Material discomfort. 00:14:18.700 --> 00:14:21.920 Foxes have holes. 00:14:22.020 --> 00:14:23.180 Birds of the air have nests. 00:14:23.500 --> 00:14:25.320 The son of man has nowhere to lay his head. 00:14:27.440 --> 00:14:29.900 He had every sort of human experience going. 00:14:30.259 --> 00:14:30.660 Didn't he? 00:14:31.840 --> 00:14:35.560 He is not unable to sympathize with us in our weakness. 00:14:36.240 --> 00:14:38.840 Because he has felt those weaknesses from the inside. 00:14:39.560 --> 00:14:41.080 It's not just academic knowledge. 00:14:41.180 --> 00:14:42.379 It's something he's experienced. 00:14:43.080 --> 00:14:45.800 And he resisted those temptations to the ultimate degree. 00:14:47.020 --> 00:14:48.200 He never gave in. 00:14:49.259 --> 00:14:50.020 And so the consequence. 00:14:50.900 --> 00:14:52.360 He has deep sympathy with us. 00:14:52.540 --> 00:14:53.879 Deep sympathy for us. 00:14:54.840 --> 00:14:55.560 That word. 00:14:55.920 --> 00:14:58.280 He is not unable to sympathize with us in our weakness. 00:14:58.480 --> 00:15:01.520 The root of that is literally suffers with us. 00:15:01.940 --> 00:15:03.080 Suffers with us. 00:15:03.780 --> 00:15:05.820 He draws alongside us. 00:15:05.879 --> 00:15:07.379 He does know what we're experiencing. 00:15:07.820 --> 00:15:11.360 I cannot for a moment fathom what our friend is going through. 00:15:11.580 --> 00:15:15.540 Who's lost her father and her younger sister in such a short space of time. 00:15:15.539 --> 00:15:20.059 And yet in a sense Jesus does. 00:15:21.599 --> 00:15:22.539 That's her high priest. 00:15:22.639 --> 00:15:23.819 He intercedes for her. 00:15:23.820 --> 00:15:28.360 So that was the first thing. 00:15:28.400 --> 00:15:33.379 He's a great high priest for us because he resisted temptation to the ultimate degree. 00:15:33.920 --> 00:15:37.300 But also because he learned obedience through suffering. 00:15:37.400 --> 00:15:38.560 Or he grew in faith. 00:15:38.559 --> 00:15:40.119 Look again at verses 7 and 8. 00:15:40.439 --> 00:15:40.939 Verse 8. 00:15:41.000 --> 00:15:42.079 An amazing statement isn't it? 00:15:42.379 --> 00:15:43.439 Although he was a son. 00:15:43.739 --> 00:15:46.259 He learned obedience through what he suffered. 00:15:47.079 --> 00:15:48.319 Now what does that mean? 00:15:48.439 --> 00:15:50.319 Well first of all what it doesn't mean. 00:15:51.159 --> 00:15:55.319 What it doesn't mean is that the son of God never obeyed his father before he had to suffer. 00:15:55.320 --> 00:15:57.400 Well that is clearly not true. 00:15:57.840 --> 00:15:59.320 Because the very incarnation. 00:15:59.640 --> 00:16:03.580 The very fact of the son of God taking on human flesh and coming into the world. 00:16:03.820 --> 00:16:05.580 Was an act of obedience in itself. 00:16:06.000 --> 00:16:07.780 The son has always obeyed the father. 00:16:08.500 --> 00:16:08.900 Always. 00:16:10.160 --> 00:16:12.100 Throughout his eternal existence. 00:16:13.600 --> 00:16:17.900 And it cannot mean he had to suffer discipline in order to learn to obey like you and I do. 00:16:17.899 --> 00:16:23.539 I had to suffer a fair amount of discipline from my father growing up. 00:16:24.559 --> 00:16:25.759 I didn't always obey. 00:16:27.120 --> 00:16:28.720 And I suffered and learned that he was better to. 00:16:29.740 --> 00:16:31.600 That wasn't the way Jesus learned. 00:16:32.819 --> 00:16:36.340 What it does mean is as a human being he was able to learn and grow. 00:16:36.480 --> 00:16:38.720 So think of Luke chapter 2 verse 52. 00:16:39.459 --> 00:16:41.699 We read at the end of the account of Jesus' childhood. 00:16:42.340 --> 00:16:46.460 Jesus increased in wisdom and in stature and in favour with God and man. 00:16:46.460 --> 00:16:51.560 And just as normal every human child grows and develops and learns. 00:16:52.019 --> 00:16:54.160 So Jesus because he grew as a human being. 00:16:55.180 --> 00:16:59.019 Learned and grew and developed just as we do. 00:17:01.820 --> 00:17:03.780 And so he learned obedience through suffering. 00:17:03.879 --> 00:17:07.460 Just as he learned how to make tables as a carpenter's son and everything else. 00:17:08.360 --> 00:17:10.819 What does it mean that he learned obedience through what he suffered? 00:17:11.500 --> 00:17:12.480 Well it certainly means this. 00:17:12.559 --> 00:17:14.740 That he grew in his obedience. 00:17:14.740 --> 00:17:22.500 That every step of the way he learned as a human being more and more about obeying his father in heaven. 00:17:24.240 --> 00:17:26.539 And for Jesus every step of the way. 00:17:27.440 --> 00:17:30.480 Every step from Bethlehem to Golgotha. 00:17:31.140 --> 00:17:33.000 Was a step of increased suffering. 00:17:33.960 --> 00:17:37.359 At any point he could have made another choice to make life easier. 00:17:37.359 --> 00:17:39.379 So let's just take a few examples. 00:17:39.539 --> 00:17:40.379 Mark chapter 1. 00:17:40.679 --> 00:17:41.740 He's just healed a few people. 00:17:41.839 --> 00:17:43.019 The crowds are beginning to gather. 00:17:43.679 --> 00:17:46.559 Jesus takes himself off early in the morning while it's still dark to pray. 00:17:46.959 --> 00:17:48.779 Peter comes to look for him with the other disciples. 00:17:48.939 --> 00:17:50.359 They go, come on. 00:17:50.399 --> 00:17:51.539 The crowds are looking for you Jesus. 00:17:51.619 --> 00:17:52.119 Come this way. 00:17:52.199 --> 00:17:53.259 Come and heal a few more people. 00:17:53.759 --> 00:17:55.240 There's a great roadshow going on here. 00:17:55.279 --> 00:17:56.279 That's what the crowds want. 00:17:57.240 --> 00:18:00.500 Now the easy thing at that point would have been to please the crowds. 00:18:01.319 --> 00:18:02.279 What does Jesus say? 00:18:03.180 --> 00:18:03.579 No. 00:18:04.559 --> 00:18:06.740 I'm going to other villages as well to preach. 00:18:06.940 --> 00:18:08.000 That is what I've found. 00:18:09.079 --> 00:18:11.259 See Jesus chose to disappoint people. 00:18:11.779 --> 00:18:13.180 So he could please his father. 00:18:14.960 --> 00:18:17.480 And that was a little act embracing suffering. 00:18:17.579 --> 00:18:19.400 It's always hard to disappoint people isn't it? 00:18:19.400 --> 00:18:21.559 Especially if you're like me and a people pleaser innately. 00:18:22.640 --> 00:18:24.279 But Jesus chose the step of suffering. 00:18:24.640 --> 00:18:25.839 As obedience to his father. 00:18:25.839 --> 00:18:29.599 And of course you turn over to Mark chapter 2. 00:18:29.740 --> 00:18:32.539 Jesus hangs out with the tax collectors and sinners. 00:18:33.059 --> 00:18:35.519 And the Pharisees and the religious leaders are aghast at this. 00:18:35.579 --> 00:18:37.220 And say, what are you doing eating with these people? 00:18:38.319 --> 00:18:41.659 But Jesus once again embraces the difficult path of suffering. 00:18:43.079 --> 00:18:44.699 To do the father's will. 00:18:45.579 --> 00:18:48.139 To eat with the sinners and tax collectors who needed him. 00:18:48.619 --> 00:18:49.899 Say, I've come to call the righteous. 00:18:50.899 --> 00:18:52.799 I've come to call the unrighteous, not the righteous. 00:18:53.519 --> 00:18:55.500 It's not the healthy who need a doctor, but the sick. 00:18:56.720 --> 00:18:58.419 And of course that leads to the conflict, doesn't it? 00:18:59.139 --> 00:19:01.500 With the religious leaders and with the Herodians as well. 00:19:02.199 --> 00:19:04.179 Where does that conflict ultimately take Jesus? 00:19:05.759 --> 00:19:06.740 To the cross. 00:19:07.559 --> 00:19:11.220 See, step by step there's a sense in which he learned obedience through suffering. 00:19:11.619 --> 00:19:13.819 That each step of obedience made life harder. 00:19:15.119 --> 00:19:17.619 And obedience makes life hard for us sometimes, doesn't it? 00:19:18.139 --> 00:19:19.699 It makes life hard for us. 00:19:20.619 --> 00:19:22.519 And yet here we have a great high priest. 00:19:23.439 --> 00:19:24.720 Who prays for us. 00:19:24.720 --> 00:19:28.120 Knowing that obedience can be hard. 00:19:29.019 --> 00:19:30.059 And yet he did obey. 00:19:30.860 --> 00:19:35.579 And of course that culminated with what is mentioned here in verse 7 of chapter 10. 00:19:35.579 --> 00:19:41.399 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears. 00:19:41.720 --> 00:19:43.419 To him he was able to save him from death. 00:19:44.139 --> 00:19:46.339 And was heard because of his reverence. 00:19:47.159 --> 00:19:47.939 See, it was hard. 00:19:48.519 --> 00:19:49.740 Jesus cried out. 00:19:50.879 --> 00:19:52.639 We read of him in the Garden of Gethsemane. 00:19:53.179 --> 00:19:54.039 Sweating blood. 00:19:54.240 --> 00:19:56.299 Crying out to his heavenly Father. 00:19:56.299 --> 00:19:57.779 Take this cup from me. 00:19:58.139 --> 00:19:59.720 But not my wills, but yours. 00:19:59.720 --> 00:20:02.180 How many times did he say that? 00:20:02.380 --> 00:20:03.360 Did he go back to praying? 00:20:04.339 --> 00:20:05.539 Three times. 00:20:06.420 --> 00:20:10.259 That's how hard that obedience was for our Saviour. 00:20:12.019 --> 00:20:17.240 He did not have some kind of divine anaesthetic to make that a very easy cup to drink. 00:20:17.240 --> 00:20:19.279 It was hard. 00:20:20.700 --> 00:20:22.240 And his friends were no use, were they? 00:20:23.039 --> 00:20:23.980 They just fell asleep. 00:20:24.880 --> 00:20:26.799 Matthew 26, verse 38. 00:20:27.059 --> 00:20:29.019 He says to Peter, James and John. 00:20:29.079 --> 00:20:30.480 My soul is very sorrowful. 00:20:30.799 --> 00:20:31.839 Even to death. 00:20:32.500 --> 00:20:34.039 Remain here and watch with me. 00:20:35.039 --> 00:20:35.920 Sorrowful to death. 00:20:36.019 --> 00:20:37.799 No, to the greatest possible extreme. 00:20:38.359 --> 00:20:41.059 This is the greatest distress a human being could face. 00:20:41.059 --> 00:20:47.619 As the Son of God looked to the cup he was about to drink. 00:20:47.720 --> 00:20:48.819 The cup of God's wrath. 00:20:49.179 --> 00:20:50.099 This was hard. 00:20:51.799 --> 00:20:53.960 Yet Jesus learnt obedience through suffering. 00:20:54.819 --> 00:20:56.579 He found out in his own body. 00:20:57.579 --> 00:20:59.579 In his own personal human experience. 00:20:59.579 --> 00:21:03.799 How hard it is to follow the heavenly Father in a fallen world. 00:21:05.819 --> 00:21:07.359 Yet his Father heard him, didn't he? 00:21:08.000 --> 00:21:10.519 He was heard, it says in verse 7. 00:21:11.059 --> 00:21:12.700 Because of his reverence. 00:21:14.240 --> 00:21:15.559 Now what sense was Jesus heard? 00:21:15.639 --> 00:21:17.440 Because he wasn't saved from death, was he? 00:21:17.440 --> 00:21:18.099 He went to the cross. 00:21:18.159 --> 00:21:18.500 He died. 00:21:18.579 --> 00:21:19.399 He drank that cup. 00:21:21.740 --> 00:21:24.359 Well his reverence was not my will but yours. 00:21:24.579 --> 00:21:25.960 As he bows before his Father. 00:21:26.839 --> 00:21:27.859 And he was heard. 00:21:28.159 --> 00:21:29.679 In that he was raised from the dead. 00:21:29.679 --> 00:21:31.259 He will never die again. 00:21:32.659 --> 00:21:34.079 He will never die again. 00:21:34.159 --> 00:21:35.220 He has defeated death. 00:21:35.299 --> 00:21:36.700 He has come out the other side. 00:21:37.679 --> 00:21:38.159 Vindicated. 00:21:38.480 --> 00:21:39.379 Rescued from death. 00:21:39.519 --> 00:21:40.619 Death could not hold him. 00:21:41.279 --> 00:21:43.239 That was how the Father answered those prayers. 00:21:44.159 --> 00:21:45.819 Not by taking the cup from him. 00:21:46.179 --> 00:21:47.379 But by giving him victory. 00:21:49.359 --> 00:21:50.579 So as we pray. 00:21:51.219 --> 00:21:52.919 As we face situations in life. 00:21:52.979 --> 00:21:54.519 Where we think, Lord what is going on? 00:21:54.759 --> 00:21:56.259 Why haven't you heard this prayer? 00:21:56.259 --> 00:22:01.480 We have a high priest standing there. 00:22:01.480 --> 00:22:02.720 Praying for us. 00:22:03.240 --> 00:22:09.059 Who knows what it is like when our prayers in a sense do not seem to be answered. 00:22:10.160 --> 00:22:13.200 Because the crown awaits after the cross. 00:22:14.339 --> 00:22:15.700 He prays for us. 00:22:15.700 --> 00:22:18.319 Even as we wonder what is happening. 00:22:18.319 --> 00:22:23.399 The fact he cried out in prayer shows us. 00:22:24.480 --> 00:22:27.039 That it was a struggle for Jesus to obey. 00:22:28.079 --> 00:22:29.500 It was a struggle to trust. 00:22:30.279 --> 00:22:31.480 But as he learned obedience. 00:22:32.159 --> 00:22:33.139 He grew in faith. 00:22:33.980 --> 00:22:35.879 The Son of God even grew in faith. 00:22:35.880 --> 00:22:39.340 It was a reality for him. 00:22:39.339 --> 00:22:43.079 So do you see now how he's a great high priest who can help us? 00:22:44.199 --> 00:22:44.619 Yes. 00:22:44.859 --> 00:22:46.720 He's appointed by God among men. 00:22:47.059 --> 00:22:47.339 Yes. 00:22:47.379 --> 00:22:49.839 He's got the position of being in the heavens. 00:22:50.559 --> 00:22:52.639 But also he's got the experience that counts. 00:22:53.000 --> 00:22:54.220 He's resisted temptation. 00:22:54.720 --> 00:22:55.459 As we must. 00:22:55.460 --> 00:22:58.440 And he's grown in faith and obedience. 00:22:58.960 --> 00:23:00.180 As he learned it through suffering. 00:23:00.600 --> 00:23:01.620 As indeed we must. 00:23:02.980 --> 00:23:03.980 And having been made perfect. 00:23:04.039 --> 00:23:04.620 Look at him now. 00:23:04.700 --> 00:23:05.279 Verse 9. 00:23:05.740 --> 00:23:07.720 And being made perfect. 00:23:07.819 --> 00:23:09.680 As in being made perfect as a high priest. 00:23:09.940 --> 00:23:11.299 Being made perfect as a rescue. 00:23:11.400 --> 00:23:12.360 Always morally perfect. 00:23:13.100 --> 00:23:15.000 But having been made perfect as a high priest. 00:23:15.120 --> 00:23:15.700 What has happened? 00:23:16.100 --> 00:23:18.660 He became the source of eternal salvation. 00:23:19.120 --> 00:23:20.279 To all who obey him. 00:23:20.880 --> 00:23:23.120 Being designated by God a high priest forever. 00:23:23.500 --> 00:23:24.980 After the order of Melchizedek. 00:23:26.440 --> 00:23:28.299 Perfect and perfectly equipped. 00:23:28.779 --> 00:23:30.680 To give us the salvation we need. 00:23:30.799 --> 00:23:31.900 The eternal salvation. 00:23:32.360 --> 00:23:33.900 To get us safely home forever. 00:23:34.840 --> 00:23:36.380 So that answers the first question. 00:23:37.640 --> 00:23:39.980 So what makes Jesus the great high priest? 00:23:40.620 --> 00:23:41.319 Well he's perfect. 00:23:42.519 --> 00:23:43.140 He's perfect. 00:23:45.000 --> 00:23:46.160 So second question. 00:23:46.480 --> 00:23:47.019 Now what? 00:23:47.579 --> 00:23:50.059 Now what does that mean for us in our lives? 00:23:50.680 --> 00:23:52.039 Well let's look at verse 16. 00:23:52.660 --> 00:23:53.940 There are two things it means for us. 00:23:54.600 --> 00:23:56.019 In verse 16 we see the first of them. 00:23:56.100 --> 00:23:59.000 Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace. 00:23:59.420 --> 00:24:03.279 That we may receive mercy and find grace to help in the time of need. 00:24:04.259 --> 00:24:04.920 So what? 00:24:05.039 --> 00:24:05.500 First thing. 00:24:05.640 --> 00:24:06.200 Draw near. 00:24:06.559 --> 00:24:07.160 Draw near. 00:24:07.740 --> 00:24:09.059 This is this relational language. 00:24:09.220 --> 00:24:10.380 Draw near to the throne. 00:24:10.900 --> 00:24:11.360 Draw near. 00:24:11.480 --> 00:24:12.220 Come close. 00:24:12.880 --> 00:24:13.700 Don't be scared. 00:24:13.840 --> 00:24:14.700 Don't hold back. 00:24:14.920 --> 00:24:15.620 Come close. 00:24:15.620 --> 00:24:17.160 Call out to him in prayer. 00:24:17.160 --> 00:24:20.580 And what are we drawing near to? 00:24:21.759 --> 00:24:23.779 The throne of grace. 00:24:24.180 --> 00:24:24.840 The throne. 00:24:24.980 --> 00:24:26.420 The position where God sits. 00:24:26.640 --> 00:24:27.640 Ruling the universe. 00:24:28.240 --> 00:24:30.420 Where the Father sits in glory and majesty. 00:24:31.100 --> 00:24:32.820 But what is this throne like? 00:24:33.980 --> 00:24:35.220 It's a throne of grace. 00:24:35.440 --> 00:24:36.820 That's the character of this throne. 00:24:37.920 --> 00:24:41.140 It's not a throne of judgment and intimidation. 00:24:41.259 --> 00:24:41.720 Not now. 00:24:42.200 --> 00:24:43.440 It's a throne of grace. 00:24:44.100 --> 00:24:45.759 Where we come to receive what we need. 00:24:46.120 --> 00:24:48.460 Where our high priest is seated at the right hand. 00:24:48.799 --> 00:24:50.360 As we read in chapter 12 verse 2. 00:24:51.500 --> 00:24:52.680 The place of authority. 00:24:52.920 --> 00:24:53.960 The place of grace. 00:24:56.220 --> 00:24:58.180 Grace that gives us what we don't deserve. 00:24:58.279 --> 00:24:59.839 Instead of the judgment we do deserve. 00:25:00.539 --> 00:25:01.380 And what do we get when we... 00:25:01.380 --> 00:25:03.759 What do we receive when we get there? 00:25:03.759 --> 00:25:07.000 Verse 16. 00:25:07.440 --> 00:25:11.859 That we may receive mercy and find grace to help in the time of need. 00:25:12.200 --> 00:25:12.680 Mercy. 00:25:13.059 --> 00:25:14.579 Forgiveness for when we've blown in. 00:25:15.160 --> 00:25:16.759 Forgiveness for when we've given in. 00:25:17.059 --> 00:25:18.339 Forgiveness for whatever we've done. 00:25:18.420 --> 00:25:20.619 Because we've been paid for by the blood of the Lord Jesus. 00:25:22.240 --> 00:25:24.019 And grace in our time of need. 00:25:24.400 --> 00:25:26.119 Strength to resist that temptation. 00:25:28.619 --> 00:25:29.680 Strength to say no. 00:25:29.680 --> 00:25:33.079 The grace of God which teaches us to say no to ungodliness. 00:25:33.079 --> 00:25:34.799 As Paul puts it to Titus. 00:25:35.179 --> 00:25:36.079 That's what we get. 00:25:37.699 --> 00:25:39.019 We sometimes feel don't we. 00:25:39.059 --> 00:25:40.000 We can't pray. 00:25:40.079 --> 00:25:40.779 It's been blown again. 00:25:42.000 --> 00:25:42.980 I've got angry again. 00:25:43.039 --> 00:25:44.079 I've done that sin again. 00:25:44.159 --> 00:25:45.519 I've given in to the lust again. 00:25:45.619 --> 00:25:46.679 I've gossiped again. 00:25:46.779 --> 00:25:48.259 I've indulged in self-pity again. 00:25:48.460 --> 00:25:50.039 How can I go back to God now? 00:25:51.379 --> 00:25:52.919 Yet that's the time we need to go. 00:25:53.699 --> 00:25:54.859 And there are no bonds. 00:25:55.539 --> 00:25:58.419 Instead there is a high priest who understands our weaknesses. 00:25:58.419 --> 00:25:59.619 Who sympathises with us. 00:26:00.159 --> 00:26:01.539 Sympathises with us in them. 00:26:01.879 --> 00:26:02.980 And who prays with us. 00:26:03.539 --> 00:26:04.659 So don't hold back. 00:26:05.099 --> 00:26:05.819 Draw near. 00:26:06.460 --> 00:26:07.179 Draw near. 00:26:07.939 --> 00:26:09.339 Comes without throne of grace. 00:26:09.419 --> 00:26:10.639 You don't get it ticking off. 00:26:12.159 --> 00:26:14.799 Instead the high priest is like he has his arm around our shoulders. 00:26:15.639 --> 00:26:16.819 He says, I understand. 00:26:17.819 --> 00:26:18.879 I've resisted. 00:26:19.779 --> 00:26:20.779 I learned obedience. 00:26:22.119 --> 00:26:23.240 I'll pray for you. 00:26:25.419 --> 00:26:26.679 I've been learning too. 00:26:27.519 --> 00:26:29.579 I've cried out with tears and helplessness. 00:26:30.579 --> 00:26:32.220 I know what temptation feels like. 00:26:32.220 --> 00:26:33.240 I've paid for that sin. 00:26:35.500 --> 00:26:40.220 What would stop us drawing near from a throne of grace with a high priest like this? 00:26:40.220 --> 00:26:42.960 What would stop us? 00:26:43.759 --> 00:26:45.400 Well that's the first thing to draw near. 00:26:45.500 --> 00:26:47.339 The second thing is actually back in verse 14. 00:26:49.240 --> 00:26:49.920 Hold fast. 00:26:50.000 --> 00:26:50.440 Draw near. 00:26:50.740 --> 00:26:51.380 Hold fast. 00:26:51.380 --> 00:26:54.920 Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens. 00:26:55.060 --> 00:26:56.120 Jesus the son of God. 00:26:56.560 --> 00:26:58.220 Let us hold fast our confession. 00:26:58.980 --> 00:26:59.860 Our confession. 00:27:00.280 --> 00:27:01.520 As the writer of the Hebrews puts it. 00:27:01.560 --> 00:27:03.500 It's our confession that Jesus is the Christ. 00:27:03.500 --> 00:27:05.579 Christ is God's forever king. 00:27:05.880 --> 00:27:06.880 Is the high priest. 00:27:07.059 --> 00:27:10.619 Is the only one through whom eternal salvation is available. 00:27:11.140 --> 00:27:11.980 That's the confession. 00:27:13.200 --> 00:27:15.059 He's saying that since we have this great high priest. 00:27:15.359 --> 00:27:17.019 Let's hold fast to that confession. 00:27:17.500 --> 00:27:19.380 In the light of the judgment that is coming. 00:27:19.480 --> 00:27:21.099 In the light of the rest that is ours. 00:27:21.279 --> 00:27:22.539 If we hold on to him. 00:27:22.859 --> 00:27:24.119 If he holds on to us. 00:27:24.559 --> 00:27:25.640 Then hold fast. 00:27:26.779 --> 00:27:27.680 Hold fast. 00:27:27.680 --> 00:27:31.799 Why might they be tempted not to hold fast? 00:27:33.180 --> 00:27:34.980 Because it was difficult following Jesus. 00:27:35.080 --> 00:27:36.019 Because of the persecution. 00:27:36.539 --> 00:27:37.759 They visited friends in prison. 00:27:37.880 --> 00:27:39.380 They lost some of their goods. 00:27:39.480 --> 00:27:40.420 We read in chapter 12. 00:27:41.400 --> 00:27:42.240 It was hard. 00:27:42.560 --> 00:27:44.940 It was so much easier to go back with our old friends. 00:27:45.259 --> 00:27:45.860 To Judaism. 00:27:46.680 --> 00:27:48.360 To the traditions they were familiar with. 00:27:48.759 --> 00:27:50.779 To the richness of the cultural heritage. 00:27:51.019 --> 00:27:53.560 To the legal position of the religion in the Roman Empire. 00:27:53.660 --> 00:27:54.279 It was easier. 00:27:55.120 --> 00:27:56.560 But hold fast. 00:27:56.559 --> 00:27:58.079 Because you have a great high priest. 00:27:59.440 --> 00:27:59.919 Let's face it. 00:27:59.940 --> 00:28:01.919 Life would often be easier for us. 00:28:02.059 --> 00:28:03.159 If we weren't following Jesus. 00:28:03.240 --> 00:28:03.579 Wouldn't it? 00:28:06.200 --> 00:28:08.480 Why might we not hold on to our confession? 00:28:10.460 --> 00:28:10.740 Well. 00:28:10.819 --> 00:28:11.440 Because the teaching. 00:28:11.940 --> 00:28:13.559 That Jesus is the only saviour. 00:28:13.639 --> 00:28:15.279 Is hated in 21st century Britain. 00:28:16.379 --> 00:28:18.039 Because the cost of following Christ. 00:28:18.119 --> 00:28:19.200 Can be hard at times. 00:28:20.200 --> 00:28:21.659 For some it will mean singleness. 00:28:22.500 --> 00:28:23.299 That's hard. 00:28:23.899 --> 00:28:25.559 For some it means exclusion from. 00:28:25.559 --> 00:28:27.159 By colleagues. 00:28:27.940 --> 00:28:29.460 It means difficulties in work. 00:28:31.079 --> 00:28:32.500 So why should we hold on? 00:28:33.740 --> 00:28:35.619 Hold on because we have a great high priest. 00:28:35.919 --> 00:28:37.059 Who has gone through the heavens. 00:28:37.980 --> 00:28:39.659 Who is there at the right hand of God. 00:28:40.500 --> 00:28:41.559 Who is praying for you. 00:28:41.639 --> 00:28:44.059 Giving us grace and mercy in a time of need. 00:28:45.059 --> 00:28:46.659 So let's pray he'll help us hold on. 00:28:47.059 --> 00:28:48.519 Whatever those temptations are. 00:28:48.519 --> 00:28:51.440 Whatever situation we're going through. 00:28:52.559 --> 00:28:54.139 Even if that is a situation. 00:28:54.579 --> 00:28:56.639 Where a dearly loved sister and a father. 00:28:56.839 --> 00:28:58.039 Have recently killed themselves. 00:28:58.579 --> 00:28:59.900 That email I mentioned earlier. 00:29:00.000 --> 00:29:00.900 Goes on like this. 00:29:01.859 --> 00:29:04.019 The kids are confused and sad as well. 00:29:04.460 --> 00:29:05.579 And also feeling tired. 00:29:05.700 --> 00:29:06.619 Grief is tiring. 00:29:07.500 --> 00:29:09.059 We are standing on a rock. 00:29:09.059 --> 00:29:12.059 There is a hurricane and gale all around. 00:29:12.619 --> 00:29:14.399 But we stand secure on the rock. 00:29:14.639 --> 00:29:15.319 Which is Jesus. 00:29:16.659 --> 00:29:17.720 I hold on to Jesus. 00:29:18.279 --> 00:29:19.599 He is the centre of everything. 00:29:20.819 --> 00:29:22.419 The great high priest is praying. 00:29:23.059 --> 00:29:24.579 And he is holding on to his people. 00:29:25.159 --> 00:29:27.200 The high priest who sympathises with our weaknesses. 00:29:28.480 --> 00:29:30.639 And gives us grace and mercy in our time of need. 00:29:30.640 --> 00:29:33.259 So let's hold on to him. 00:29:33.280 --> 00:29:34.340 Let's draw near to him. 00:29:34.820 --> 00:29:36.200 And let's hold on to our confession. 00:29:36.860 --> 00:29:37.380 Let's pray.