Hebrews 4.14-5.10
The center figure in the tabernacle/ temple was the High Priest. Aaron was the first. The priesthood was through his descendants. He had garments which were according to the specifications God gave Moses here in this passage from Exodus.
Two pieces of that garment were the ephod and the breastpiece. On the ephod were two stones which went on the shoulders, each bearing six of the names of the twelve tribes of Israel in birth order. On the breastpiece were 12 different precious stones each representing a tribe of Israel, the names of Jacob's sons.
These were earthly things with heavenly meaning, physical objects giving us great spiritual lessons.
The high priest was a man not an angel. His personality came through his office. For example Eli- I Samuel 1.9-17 falsely accused Hannah of excessive drinking when she was actually in sorrow.
Some high priests were high and mighty like Caiaphas.
Others were somewhat judgmental like Eli.
Some still were kind and humble. How glad the people of Israel must have been when they received a high priest who was meek and kind.
The garments were passed down from generation to generation. They reminded the high priest that he was to bear the burdens of the people on his shoulders and bring them to the LORD. They reminded the high priest that he was to carry the people on his heart- each tribe and every person.
Jesus is our Great High Priest forever Hebrews 4.14-5.10
1. We are Carried on His Shoulders Isaiah 9.6 The government will be upon His shoulders
The shoulders are where we carry things- heavy loads and wonderful blessings Like children, grandchildren, nieces and nephews!
We speak of shouldering something in the sense we are taking responsibility and carrying someone's load.
Jesus shoulders our concerns before Our Father in Heaven.
His speciality as High Priest is the bruised reed and smoldering wick Matthew 12.20
Look at the heart of Jesus in these verses:
Mark 6.34 When Jesus landed and saw a large crowd, He had compassion on them, because they were like sheep without a shepherd.
Matthew 15.42 I have compassion for these people; they have already been with Me three days and have nothing to eat. I do not want to send them away hungry, or they may collapse on the way."
Mark 1.41 Filled (like locked in with a vice) with compassion, Jesus reached out His Hand and touched the man.
Matthew 11.28-30
Our Great High Priest...
2. We are Carried Upon the Heart of Jesus. Hebrews 4.14-16
sympathize= to be affected with the same feeling as another
The heart is a fascinating organ. When I studied Biology back in High School 40 years ago I felt like we were getting short changed. Miss Adler was an excellent teacher. When it came to the required teaching of Darwin's Origins of the Species she made it clear- crystal clear that this was just a theory not fact. We weren't allowed to bring in discussions about Creation and the LORD but that was bigger now than I realize. We therefore were not allowed to bring in the scripture which speaks about the heart not just as this incredible organ that pumps blood through the body but also as a seat of the emotions. The heart can feel like no other organ with the exception of the brain. One of my favorite movies is IQ Think Love. It is a spoof on Albert Einstein but it is full of spiritual truth- Walter Matthieu plays Einstein. He tells his niece and her boyfriend, "You both have good hearts. Don't let your brain get in the way of your heart."
If I spend an hour or two with my grandkids I leave with my heart feeling very light and full of joy. If someone shares a burden it is carried in my memory (Sometimes I forget) but also on my heart. I feel it here. Anger is there as well as love. What is the symbol of Valentine's Day?- a Heart of course!
Israel's tribes were carried on the breastplate. Those jewels reflected light showing God's love for His people. What patience Jesus had (and has). When He was here on earth He repeated Himself over and over again.
Those who come to Him are:
1- In need
2- humble
3- sinful
4- God fearing
5- Believing He can help them
You'll never hear from Him:
"You ought to know better! What's the matter with you!"
What you will find with Jesus is Someone Who will sit and listen!
In our times of deep distress
The LORD Jesus gives us rest
In times when we can't go on
He fills our heart with a song
He is our great High Priest
He bring us hope and peace.
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