Jesus Is Greater | Do I Need A Priest?
In this insightful message, Pastor John Eastwood delves into the profound role of Jesus as the great high priest, drawing from the book of Hebrews. He emphasizes Hebrews 4:14-16, which highlights Jesus’ empathy towards human weaknesses and His unique position to offer mercy and grace. Pastor Eastwood explains that Jesus, unlike the traditional high priests appointed to offer sacrifices for sins, was called by God, not self-glorified. He encourages the congregation to grasp these vital concepts, which were well understood by first-century Jewish Christians but might be unfamiliar to modern believers. Through prayer, he seeks to open hearts to the deep waters of Hebrews, moving beyond shallow faith. Pastor Eastwood expounds on the historical and spiritual significance of the high priest’s role, both in representing God to the people and the people to God. He outlines how the Old Testament prepared Israel for the Messiah and that being chosen by God was both a privilege and a responsibility to bless others. He warns against the illusion of self-sufficiency, stressing that only Jesus, as the great high priest, bridges the gap caused by sin. Unlike earthly high priests who offered temporary solutions through sacrifices, Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice grants believers direct access to God, emphasizing the necessity of His mediating role. The message further explores Jesus’ dual nature as both God and man, capable of fully sympathizing with human struggles. Pastor Eastwood shares personal reflections and biblical analogies to illustrate the importance of approaching God with reverence and humility. He reminds the congregation of the immense privilege they have through Jesus’ sacrifice, allowing them to boldly seek mercy and grace. The message concludes with a call to worship, inviting listeners to embrace the transformative power of Jesus as the eternal high priest who bridges the divine and the earthly, offering a path to spiritual fulfillment and deeper faith.