Jesus Didn’t Qualify for the Job?!?

June 2

Read: Hebrews 7:11-22

Jesus Didn’t Qualify for the Job?!?

(Old Law vs. New Law Part 1)

“For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.” (v.12)

Jesus is the “high priest” of a new and better law. When there is a change in the priesthood there is a change in the law as well. Under the “old law” or the “previous law” that came from God through Moses, the priesthood was assigned to the tribe of Levi; descendants of Aaron. Jesus is NOT a high priest for this “law”. Jesus is, after all, from the tribe of JUDAH not the tribe of Levi:

“For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.” (v.13,14)

Jesus would be disqualified from priesthood under this “old law”. During his time here on earth, Jesus perfectly kept the old law - he “fulfilled the law” and its requirements. He did not come to abolish the law that came through Moses, but to fulfill it. (cf. Matt. 5:17-20, etc.) Fulfilling the old law and being the high priest of a new law are two completely different things.

Jesus perfectly completed the “old law” on our behalf. His perfection is counted as our own. In a sense, he conquered the task of perfectly completing the old law for us. This is why IN CHRIST we are being led in a NEW WAY. This new way is the “law” of Jesus… it is the “law” that Jesus is the high priest of and it is different than the “old law”… in fact… it is BETTER than the old law:

“For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.” (v.18,19)

When it comes to life in Christ, the old law does not power us… it has no power… it is “weak”. (cf. “because of its weakness”). Likewise, the old law is not all that useful for us as Christians (cf. its “uselessness”). Jesus introduces a “better hope” that actually “draws us nearer to God”. This is exciting news! Our high priest Jesus has brought to us a new law that is powerful, useful, and actually effective in drawing us nearer to God. Amen! The old law is not fit to draw Christians nearer to God. So the scriptures declare:

“This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.” (v.22)

In Christ, we have a new covenant… a better covenant… one that surpasses the old which Christ has completed on our behalf. The weight of keeping those rules is OFF OF US. This is the law that Jesus is carrying out IN US and THROUGH US. The first step in living out life in this new law is setting our eyes on Christ and off of the old law. We look to the high priest of this newer and better covenant - Jesus - as he leads us in this new life we have been given. What we have in Christ is better than the old way…it supersedes the old way. This may be news to some of you, but you are no longer under that old law. You can take a break from the scrambling and guilt, and come to REST in what God is offering in his Son, Jesus. This is why the scriptures declare: “for whoever has entered God's rest has also rested from his works as God did from his.” (v. Heb. 4:10) As Christ followers, we are under HIS new covenant and law - and it is a law of love and grace a law that brings us into rest in HIM! Over the next few days we will look more at this truth. For today, turn to Christ and begin by asking him what he is calling you to do. Begin to look to Christ as the one who leads you and guides you. Ask him if there are ways you are remaining trapped under the old law, and if so ask him to set you FREE. Love you guys, more to come. - JDP