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 to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them. (Hebrews 7:23–25, esv).
Scripture assures us that Jesus Himself is praying for us this minute. Hebrews 7:25 makes an amazing statement about Jesus’ ceaseless task of interceding with His Father on our behalf. He can and will completely save those who trust in Him for salvation. Not only does Jesus save us, but He also lives to intercede for us. He pleaded our case yesterday, is interceding for us today, and represents us tomorrow too. How awesome!
The word intercede includes the sense of pleading—Jesus is continuously and persuasively presenting you before His Father. Before you ever kneel down to pour out your heart to God, your Savior has already called out to His Father on your behalf. Even before you ask, He knows what you need—because He’s with you.
Much of Hebrews focuses on the uniqueness of Christ. Among His special roles is the position of high priest that He carries out as no one else can. Throughout the history of Israel, priests were crucial intercessors between God and His people. But priests were always as human as those they served. Only Christ became the priest who could do perfectly what every other priest could do only in part.
One of the indelible pictures of Christ in the Gospels occurs at the end of the Last Supper. In John 17, when Jesus offered what’s known as His High Priestly Prayer, we’re given a good idea of how He intercedes for us. Not only did He pray for the disciples who were with Him, but He also prayed for every Christ-follower to come. Before He returned to His Father and long before we were ever born, Jesus was interceding for us (John 17:20).
If you could hear the Lord praying for you nearby, you would not fear a thousand enemies. So right now, think of Jesus at the right hand of the Father, lifting you and your needs to Him. He knows your exact situation. He knows your needs, your weaknesses, your fears, what you’re facing, and what’s at stake.
Remember Jesus’ words before Peter’s biggest failure: “Simon, Simon, behold, Satan demanded to have you, that he might sift you like wheat, but I have prayed for you that your faith may not fail. And when you have turned again, strengthen your brothers” (Luke 22:31–32).
Jesus doesn’t let your inevitable stumbles and falls keep Him from praying for you. So don’t let your failures keep you from Him.
Journal
Pray
Lord God, I am humbled and grateful to learn that, after all Jesus has already done for me, He is still pleading for me before the throne of heaven. Thank You! The fact that Jesus is interceding for me gives me confidence, comfort, and hope. Would you help my prayers to align with His? Thank You that You know my every need and thought, even before I ask. Thank You especially for Jesus, my Advocate, in whose name I pray, amen.