All of us can remember moments when, as a child, we were caught in a word or an act of disobedience. Based on the response of the adult in charge, there was no doubt that discipline would be the result of our misbehavior. As a matter of fact, a warning of impending punishment may have been communicated with the words, “Wait ‘til your father gets home!” Yes, punishment was on the horizon unless mercy was extended or a friend or sibling could intercede on our behalf and take responsibility. Truth be told, however, their efforts rarely made a difference in the justified outcome. We had to take responsibility for our own disobedient actions.

In Hebrews 7:20-28, the writer introduces us to a better intercessor. His advocacy goes far beyond the thoughtfulness of a friend or the sympathy of a sibling. He is the “high priest” whose work saves us completely and whose words advocate for us continually. Jesus is the intercessor we desperately need! The writer of Hebrews expresses it like this:

… this one [Jesus] 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.’” This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 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.

Jesus is more than a friend or a sibling. He is an Advocate who has been appointed by God on our behalf, making His role unending and unshakable (Heb 7:21). Unlike other priests who advocate, Jesus’ ministry remains unchanged, because He lives forever and stands constant in His character, purposes, and promises. We may be fickle in our devotion to our Heavenly Father, flustered because we just can’t get things right, and fearful that we might slip through His grip, but our Intercessor is steady and sure. This makes Him the “guarantor” of our salvation through His once-and-for-all substitutionary sacrifice (Eph 1:7; 1 Pet 1:18-19).

The writer of Hebrews concludes that because of Jesus’ divine appointment and unending ministry, He “is able to save to the uttermost” (Heb 7:25). The words almost jump off the page and arrest our attention. Jesus is able to save us completely! He has all that we need and leaves no need unmet! Consider contrasting the inherent traits of our High Priest listed in Hebrews 7:26 with our own…  While we are corrupt, He is holy. Though we are guilty, He is innocent. While we are flawed, He is undefiled. Though we are sinners, He is set apart from sinners. While we are lowly dust, He is exalted above the heavens. Furthermore, since neither death nor the grave could hold Jesus, He “always lives to make intercession” for us (Heb 7:25). Charitie Lees Smith’s hymn, “Before the Throne of God Above” (originally entitled, “The Advocate”) communicates His faithful role beautifully:

Before the throne of God above || I have a strong and perfect plea || A great High Priest whose name is Love || Who ever lives and pleads for me || My name is graven on his hands || My name is written on his heart || I know that while in Heav'n he stands || No tongue can bid me thence depart || No tongue can bid me thence depart

When Satan tempts me to despair || And tells me of the guilt within || Upward I look and see him there || Who made an end of all my sin || Because the sinless Savior died || My sinful soul is counted free || For God the just is satisfied || To look on him and pardon me || To look on him and pardon me

What a glorious truth! Your salvation is perpetually being protected by Christ’s “plea”. His prayer ensures continuous grace in your life, offers comfort in your ongoing battle with sin, and keeps your salvation sure. In his book, Gentle and Lowly, Dane Ortlund describes Jesus’ intercessory ministry in the following way: “In the past, Jesus did what He now talks about; in the present, Jesus talks about what He did.” Our Intercessor, “for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (Heb 12:2). 

Titus 2:11-14 (ESV) - For the grace of God has appeared, bringing salvation for all people, training us to renounce ungodliness and worldly passions, and to live self-controlled, upright, and godly lives in the present age, waiting for our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave himself for us to redeem us from all lawlessness and to purify for himself a people for his own possession who are zealous for good works.