These Hebrew Christians were tempted to abandon the Christian faith and go back to Judaism, so the writer of this book tells them that Jesus is greater than any of the key people in their Jewish religion induding the high priests. Jesus is a great high priest after the order of Melchisedeck. That is the theme in chapter 7, and verse 26 says, 'Such a high priest meetsour need. '

A. What is our need?

It's mentioned in verse 25. We need someone to save us from:

1. the guilt of sin

2. the grip of sin

3. the punishment of sin

4. and then to keep us saved all through life and for ever.

B. The Lord Jesus Christ can meet that need. (v25-26)

1. Completely. No matter how guilty and vile a person may be, Christ is able to cleanse them completely from the guilt of sin, to free them totally from the slavery of sin and to rescue them entirely from the punishment of sin.

2. For ever (see footnote) He can keep us saved all through our days here on earth and then to the uttermost reaches of eternity.

C. How can he meet that need and save us completely and for ever?

1. Because he is the Son of God (V28). The law of Moses appointed mere men as high

priest: the oath of God (recorded in Ps 110:4) appointed the Son of God.

2. Because he is sinless (v26). Holy in the sight of God, blameless in his dealings with others, pure in his own heart and conscience. The Jewish high priests were sinful (v27)

3. Because of his sacrifice. He made one complete, perfect sacrifice of himself (v27).

4. Because of his status (v26) 'He is exalted above the heavens. '

5. Because of his strength. He has never had any moral weakness (2) but neither has he any physical weakness now. That's the meaning of the word 'perfect' (v28). When He left heaven he took upon himself the physical limitations that we have (see John 4:6, Luke 8:23), but since his ascension all physical weakness has gone.

6. Because of his stability (v23-25) The Jewish high priests all died sooner or later but

Christ has a permanent priesthood because He lives for ever.

7. Because of his supplication. (v25) One of the most important duties of a high priest is to pray for the people he represents. Because Christ has a permanent priesthood he is permanently praying for those who belong to him.

D. Who are those whom he saves completely and for ever?

He doesn't save all and sundry: or all who are merely religious or who do their best. He saves those who come to God through Him. They are men and women who see that they are guilty , gripped sinners, in danger of hell, who see that they can never put themselves right with God and who recognize that Christ is their only hope.