Indestructible
Change is something that challenges all of us. The last two years have brought many changes to our lives and we are struggling with those changes. Two thousand years ago, Jesus brought about massive changes in the way we understand God and His plan for us. The Jewish nation had become so accustomed to it’s own ways that they had got to the point of believing that their ways were God’s ways. Jesus called them to change so that they could return to God’s ways, and they found His teaching so challenging that they murdered Him. The book of Hebrews addressed the Jews who would listen and understand God’s plan, making it clear to them why they needed to change.
The Holy Spirit, through the author of Hebrews carefully shows how Jesus is superior to all the messengers and mediators of the Old Covenant recorded in the Scriptures. One by one, the angels, Moses, and Aaron the High Priest are shown to be inferior to Jesus Christ, the Son of God. Through detailed argument and reasoning, we are show the stark contrast between the perfection of Jesus and weakness of all other human mediators. The life, teaching and resurrection of Jesus prove that He is indestructible, that His words are indestructible and that His works are indestructible.
Contrasting Jesus with the Jewish Priests as He entered Jerusalem on the foal of a donkey gives us a clear illustration of His infinite superiority, but also of the way we are called to respond to the changes that He makes in the lives of His followers. We need to welcome Him, His words and the works He will do in the lives of those who trust in His Name.
Scripture
Hebrews 7:11-28 ESV Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? [12] For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. [13] For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. [14] For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. [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, “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: “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.
Bible Study Questions
In Psalm 110 the Holy Spirit speaking through David predicts the appointment of a new High Priest, different to the Priests descended from Aaron. What would this change in the High Priest also bring about? (Hebrews 7:12)
Jesus wasn’t from the tribe of Levi, His qualification came not from His ancestral descent but from something else. What was that? (Hebrews 7:15-17)
Hebrews 7:18-19 announces that the law was unable to accomplish something, what was this and why was there a need to change the law? (Romans 8:3-4)
Jesus made it very clear that He did not come to do away with the law but rather to fulfil it. How did Jesus fulfilling the law make it possible for us to obey it? (Matthew 5:17-20)
What are two of the greatest differences between Jesus Christ and every other High Priest before Him? (Hebrews 7:23-26)
What were the chief priests and other leaders afraid of when they saw Jesus displaying His power and authority? What does their fear of the Romans tell us about what they didn’t believe about Jesus? (John 11:47-48)
After riding into Jerusalem on the donkey, Jesus entered the Temple and cleared out the traders. (Matthew 21:12-16) This was the second time that He did this, He had done the same three years earlier (John 2:18-22). Did the chief priests accept Jesus’ authority? How can we learn from their mistake and respond correctly to Jesus entering into our lives?
Prayer
Dear Father God, Please forgive us for wanting to be rulers of our own lives. Forgive us Lord when we set up tables of exchange in our hearts and resist the power and authority of the Lord Jesus Christ. Father we pray that He would enter in to our hearts, souls, minds and bodies and that He would take His place as Lord and King over each one of us. Thank You Lord, that Jesus Christ, His words and His works are indestructible, please come and give us the love, joy and peace that comes from surrendering to His mighty power and eternal authority over every aspect of our lives. In Jesus Name. Amen.
Worship
Do you feel the world is broken? (We do)
Do you feel the shadows deepen? (We do)
But do you know that all the dark won't
Stop the light from getting through? (We do)
Do you wish that you could see it all made new? We do)
Is all creation groaning? (It is)
Is a new creation coming? (It is)
Is the glory of the Lord to be the light within our midst? (It is)
Is it good that we remind ourselves of this? (It is)
Is anyone worthy? Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
He was David's root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory
Is He worthy of this?
He is
Does the Father truly love us? (He does)
Does the Spirit move among us? (He does)
And does Jesus, our Messiah hold forever those He loves? (He does)
Does our God intend to dwell again with us? (He does)
Is anyone worthy?
Is anyone whole?
Is anyone able to break the seal and open the scroll?
The Lion of Judah who conquered the grave
He is David's root and the Lamb who died to ransom the slave
From every people and tribe
Every nation and tongue
He has made us a kingdom and priests to God
To reign with the Son
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Of all blessing and honor and glory
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
Is He worthy of this?
He is!
Is He worthy? Is He worthy?
He is!
He is!
Serving
Learning that we are not the masters of our lives, and our destinies is difficult - but also a great relief. By surrendering control of our lives to Jesus Christ, we not only invite Him to change whatever He will in us, but also make ourselves available as agents for change in the world around us. Christ in us is the hope of glory, the hope and sure knowledge that He can do all things in and through us. Jesus does not fail. Surrendering to Him reminds us that no work of service that He calls us to will be impossible for Him. This joy and peace can equip us to take on each day in faith and hope of God doing extraordinary things in our Church and our community. Let’s confirm our surrender of control to Jesus, and ask Him to use us as servants to do His works, for the glory of God, and let’s ask Him to encourage us with the knowledge that He never fails. He is indestructible.