mySundaySermons

So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek. [NRSV]

In reading this passage we find no parable or stories, no historical travel plans to orient or date the occasion. This is part of a larger lesson or even sermon about Jesus Christ.

The book is called Hebrews and was most likely written by someone who had excellent writing skills in Greek, who knew the Greek version of the Old Testament but was not so concerned about Jesus being the messiah as much as Jesus being the Christ, the Son of the Most High.

The audience seems to be those who might have a mental understanding of Jesus as the Christ, but lack a motivation to have relationship with the Christ. The heart of the book seems to be 4:14 “Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.”

• Jesus who has been made perfect, [whole] for our brokenness.
• Jesus becomes our source for salvation.
• We connect to this source through obedience.
• With obedience, we can expect suffering.
• Through suffering we can expect to find Christ.
• Therefore, Trust the Jesus with all things.
• In suffering, joy and eternity

So let’s get to the trouble spot: Obey?!

To obey is to respond in direct relation to command, instructions, or restrictions.

WHY? Would we give up our will to choose God’s?

The resume’ of resume’s

• Christ was appointed by God for you and me
• Christ’s kingdom is eternal one, high priest of the order of Melchizedek.
• Christ who suffered for you and me, died and lives for our benefit
• Christ modeled the power of obedience as child of God
• Christ connects us to God as children of God, joint heirs

Bottom line: in a world that is tearing countries, families and lives apart. We need to know our Savior is near!

Melchizedek is this mystical priest that shows up with Abram in the midst of a 4 nations against 5 nations battle, when the larger forces raid one of the nations in the night, Abram takes his trained special force folks at night and brings back the people/families, animals and other possessions and returns them to the king who was defeated. For Abram’s since of justice and restoration, King “Mel” shows up, offers up bread and wine and blesses Abram for his graciousness. (Sound familiar?)

Abram is lead by the creed of grace and is blessed.

It is through the same priesthood that Jesus the Christ is sent by God to give us grace and to bless us in a world that is dividing families and nations and resources.

Why do we obey Jesus?

• Because he has come to us as a Son
• He has suffered for our benefit

He has come to bless us who are fighting and divided

Contemporary Question:

Who needs to hear about Obeying Jesus

1. Those who would run from such a request.
2. Those who have not hear or have lost faith that Jesus coming to suffer has anything to do with us now
3. Those who might have heard but don’t see the personal benefit Jesus affords us.
4. Those who are closed to seeing and experiencing the blessing of following, trusting and obeying THE highest of priest. The one who came to seek and save the lowest and the greatest. Me and you.

The Greatest Threat: is to Obey ourselves in the name of God or in the place of God. (don’t fool yourself, God or anyone else)

This week: Break bread and bless someone this week. Remind them that Jesus died and lives for them and the suffering that threatens their life and joy.

This week: Break bread and bless someone this week. Remind them that Jesus died and lives for them and the suffering that threatens their life and joy.