What is the Ministry of Intercession? (Hebrews 7:15–28)
Hebrews 7:15–28 15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed of him [Psalm 110:4], “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” 18 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. 20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, 21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him [Psalm 110:4]: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’ ” 22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. 23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. 26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. 28 For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
Issue #1). Who Jesus’ is? Issue #2). What Jesus’ does?
8 Reasons Jesus is greater than other spiritual leaders
- Jesus Christ is, “indestructible”, and “a priest forever” (Hebrews 7:17).
– Even a good leader diminishes and dies. - Jesus Christ gives “a better hope” than the “law [which] made nothing perfect” (Hebrews 7:19).
-Every religion has rules/laws – but all they do is show our sinfulness - Jesus Christ was ordained by God, ““The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind…” (Hebrews 7:21).
– Leaders are installed by someone. Jesus was installed by God - Jesus Christ is, “the guarantor of a better covenant” (Hebrews 7:22).
-New covenant = better NEXT WEEK - Jesus Christ “is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him” (Hebrews 7:25).
– Jesus can reach anyone, anywhere & bring us near to God - Jesus Christ is “holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens…no need…to offer sacrifices…for his own sins” (Hebrews 7:26-27).
-Even the best leaders are still imperfect sinners (no sacrifice for self) - Jesus Christ “offered up himself” (Hebrews 7:27).
-Giver vs Taker - Jesus Christ is God’s “Son” who is “perfect forever” (Hebrews 7:28).
-Leaders 1. Limited resources 2. Make mistakes 3. End poorly
Issue =#2. What Jesus does
What is the ministry of intercession?
Intercession is a ministry of pleading in prayer for the needs of another person, often including the laying on of hands.
Jesus’ past ministry included intercession
Matthew 9:18 a ruler came in and knelt before him [Jesus], saying, “My daughter has just died, but come and lay your hand on her, and she will live.”
Matthew 19:13-15 children were brought to him that he might lay his hands on them and pray. The disciples rebuked the people, but Jesus said, “Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of heaven.” And he laid his hands on them…
Luke 4:40 all those who…were sick with various diseases [were] brought…to him [Jesus], and he laid his hands on every one of them and healed them.
- Incarnation 2. Sinless 3. Cross Prays 4. Dies 5. Rises
Jesus’ present and future ministry include intercession
Isaiah 53:12 he [Jesus] poured out his soul to death…he bore the sin of many, and makes intercession for the transgressors.
Hebrews 7:25 he [Jesus] is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
A Christian is a priest
1 Peter 2:5 you…are being built up as a spiritual house, to be a holy priesthood, to offer spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.
1 Peter 2:9 you are a…royal priesthood…
Revelation 1:5-6 Jesus Christ…made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father…
Revelation 5:10 you [Jesus] have made them a kingdom and priests to our God…
Hebrews 7:15-18 – 12x 13 verses “priest” or “priests” (35X Hebrews 13 chapters)
- Born v Born Again.
- 1 man 1 day v all believers every day
- Holy of Holies v your body (1 Corinthians 6:9)
A Christian is a priest called to intercession ministry and the laying on of hands
1 Timothy 2:1 “First of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgivings be made for all people…
Acts 5:12 many signs and wonders were regularly done among the people by the hands of the apostles.
Hebrews 6:2 the laying on of hands
6 Blessings of Intercession Ministry
Loving intercession sets a culture of love for a family or church family.
When you cannot fix a problem, you can pray for God to fix it.
You help unburden someone by carrying their burden with them.
God can lift any demonic oppression.
Praying blessing over someone joins faith and multiplies hope.
The ministry of presence encourages struggling people.
