Jesus’ Work Before the Throne

The Bible tells us that when Christ ascended to heaven, he took up the ministry of High Priest to all who come to him by faith. “But He, because He continues forever, has an unchangeable priesthood” (Hebrews 7:24). Jesus is unchangeable — the same yesterday, today and forever! As long as you live, he will be your High Priest in heaven, interceding on your behalf. 

Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Father, in the seat of authority: “We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens” (Hebrews 8:1). Our High Priest has all power and authority at his command.

Jesus is in the Father’s presence right now, confronting our accuser, the devil: “I rebuke you, Satan! This one is mine because he is sprinkled in my blood. He is secure, his debt is fully paid, and he is set free!”

In the Old Testament it was the duty and privilege of the high priest to come forth from the Holy of Holies and bless the people. The Lord instructed Moses to tell Aaron and his sons, “This is the way you shall bless the children of Israel. Say to them: ‘The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; the Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace’” (Numbers 6:23-26).

The final act in the sequence of the high priest’s ministry when he emerged from the Holy of Holies was to raise his hands and bless the people. And this is the unchanging ministry of our High Priest, by God’s prescription. Jesus says, “I will cover you with my blood. I will intercede for you and I will come forth and bless you.”

The blessings of the Old Testament high priest were temporal — God’s promises to bless crops, livestock, cities and all the people’s activities. But the blessings Jesus bestows upon us are spiritual in nature: “Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ” (Ephesians 1:3).

Rejoice, dear saint! If you are weak, broken, grief-stricken or mourning over your sin, you can rest assured—your High Priest is blessing you with all spiritual blessings. Come to Him in faith. He delights in blessing you!