Sermon Breviary: The Priest We Truly Need | Hebrews 7:11-28

The High Priest We Truly Need

In Hebrews 7:11–28, we are drawn into one of the most theologically rich truths in all of Scripture: Jesus Christ is our perfect and eternal High Priest. In a world steeped in performance—religious or otherwise—this passage confronts us with a freeing reality: salvation does not come by effort, lineage, or ritual, but by Christ alone.

The old Levitical priesthood, while ordained by God, could not bring the perfection we need—full forgiveness, reconciliation with God, and transformation of the heart. The system was inherently temporary and incomplete. Priests died. Sacrifices had to be repeated. The conscience was never fully cleansed. And so, the need for a better priest arose—one not from the line of Aaron, but after the order of Melchizedek.

Jesus fulfills this need in every way. He is appointed not by ancestry, but by the “power of an indestructible life” (v.16). His priesthood is eternal because He conquered death. Unlike the priests of old, Jesus doesn’t offer daily sacrifices; He offered Himself once for all. His sacrifice doesn’t need to be repeated because it was perfect. His intercession doesn’t wane because He lives forever.

This new priesthood introduces a better covenant—one grounded not in law but in life. Christ’s intercession isn’t a theological abstraction; it’s a present and personal ministry. He “is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through Him” (v.25). That’s not just past forgiveness—it’s ongoing advocacy, present assurance, and permanent security.

So what kind of priest do we need? One who doesn’t die. One who doesn’t sin. One who doesn’t grow weary or forget. One who stands in the presence of God on our behalf—always.

That’s Jesus. He is not only the priest we need. He is the priest we have.

Therefore, let us lay down our striving, our guilt, our self-righteousness, and draw near to God through Him. He is holy where we are not, faithful where we fail, and eternal when everything else fades. Jesus saves to the uttermost—and He lives, even now, to make intercession for you.

That is our hope. That is our rest. That is our High Priest.