Intercession. That’s a word we don’t often use. To intercede is to interpose on someone else’s behalf. It is to plead or petition for someone else. It is to mediate between two parties. Do we need someone like that? Of course we do. And Jesus is the One who intercedes for us.
The writer of Hebrews tells us the priests that came before Jesus were numerous because they could not intercede forever. All of them died. Not only that, but they first had to offer a sacrifice for their own sins before they could intercede on behalf of their fellow Israelites.
We now have a high priest forever in Jesus. He has no need to offer a sacrifice for Himself, since He lived a perfect life. Since Jesus is a permanent high priest, there is no need for another priest. He continually intercedes on our behalf before God the Father. It is because He is the permanent high priest that we can go directly to God.
This is not to say there is no need for pastors. Pastors still perform important functions. They plan and lead worship services; study and teach Scripture; provide pastoral care by visiting the sick, those in nursing homes, and the homebound; administer the sacraments; preside over funeral services; and they intercede on the behalf of others, which could be included in pastoral care.
However, each person who follows Jesus has the opportunity to come before Him, confess their sins, petition Him on behalf of themselves and others, and seek His guidance. Because we have this wonderful opportunity, we should give thanks to God and sing his praises. Though we are separated by our sin from him, we are reconciled to him because of Jesus. That is an awesome gift that we can never repay.
I pray we all know Jesus is our high priest forever. I pray we know we can go directly to God. I pray each one of us confess, petition, seek guidance, and give thanks through Jesus. Jesus is our high priest. Confess to Him. Petition Him. Seek His guidance. Give thanks to God.
Hebrews 7:23-25 Furthermore, 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 for all time to save those who approach God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
Marty Pressey 