A Great High Priest Whose Name Is Love

Matthew 27:50-52

I have been startled and moved throughout our study of Matthew by how crystal clear Jesus' identity as THE MESSIAH becomes as Matthew writes his account of Jesus' life, ministry, death, and resurrection. He demonstrates over and over again that Jesus is the fulfillment and the embodiment of the One the Jews and the rest of the world have been waiting, longing, hoping, and looking for all these many years. Matthew, through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, authored this gospel to clearly reveal that Jesus is prophet, priest, and king, just as the scriptures promise the Jewish Messiah will be.

What was particularly poignant to me as I read Matthew's account of Jesus' betrayal, arrest, and crucifixion was the way Matthew illustrates Jesus' fulfillment of the office of High Priest. I have read this story many times, but had missed part of its significance before.

Matthew tells us what happens when Jesus allows death to overtake him on the cross in 27:50-52, "And Jesus cried out with a loud voice and yielded up his spirit. And behold, the veil of the temple was torn in two from top to bottom, and the earth shook; and the rocks were split, and the tombs were opened; and many of the bodies of the saints who had fallen asleep were raised..."

And in that very moment, Jesus closed the gap our sin had created between God and man. He entered the Holy of holies, bearing the full penalty of the wrath of God, and made atonement for our sin. Jesus experienced what every Jewish priest both longed and dreaded to be chosen to do. A priest longed to be the one chosen to enter the Holy of holies sometime during his lifetime, to be the one to go beyond the veil into the place where God's glorious presence dwelled. But in the same way he longed to have that role, he also dreaded it because one wrong move, motive, or misspeak while in that place, and God's wrath would be kindled and result in the priest's immediate death.

But Jesus, unlike any priest before him, lavished his love on us by humbling himself, becoming our very sin for us, and submitting to death on a cross (Philippians 2:6-8; 2 Corinthians 5:21). He was the perfect, spotless lamb who was slaughtered on behalf of the sins of the entire world--past, present, and future. When he was on the cross, Jesus experienced the agony of the full weight of all sin from Adam to me to my children's children's children, drank the entire cup of God's wrath on our behalf, and for the first and last time knew intimately what it was to experience unyielding separation from the Father.

Separated. Cut off. Alone. Dead in my sins. The King of kings died in my place so that I am no longer separated by my sin from my Maker, Creator, Abba Father. He tore the veil, closed the gap, bridged the gulf, reopened the way, giving me unfettered access to the Holy of holies, the ability to sit and revel in God's very presence without fear of the death penalty. Jesus' death on the cross and sin-bearing entrance into the Holy of holies set me free from the bondage of slavery to sin and eternal separation from God. No longer bound by the Law which required yearly atonement, cleansing of sin, I am free to be in God's presence, to share restored relationship with him (Ephesians 2:11-16).

Jesus, prophet, king, and great High Priest was also the Lamb of God slain for me and for you. And now, according to 1 Peter 2:9-11, those who believe are considered part of the royal priesthood of believers. Believers are also able to stand before the throne of grace with confidence to receive mercy and grace(Hebrews 4:14-16.) As a follower of Christ, I am an heir of righteousness rather than a child of wrath (Ephesians 2:3-6). How incredible it is to know that we have a great High priest who lavished His love on us by taking our punishment on our behalf. The gospel really can be communicated in four powerful words...Jesus in my place! Do you know Jesus as your great High Priest? Do you know what it is to have restored fellowship with the Father because Jesus died in your place? My prayer is that you will accept and believe that Jesus' death on the cross for you is enough to bridge the gap between your sin and the Father, and join me in singing this song of praise to our great Hight Priest!

You tore the veil; you made a way

when you said that "It is done"!

You tore the veil; you made a way

when you said that "It is done"!

At the cross I bow my knee

Where Your blood was shed for me;

There's no greater love than this!

You have overcome the grave;

Your glory fills the highest place.

What can separate me now?! (Hillsong: At the Cross)