Jesus Points You to Sacrifice

Hebrews 8:3-4 Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. 4 If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already men who offer the gifts prescribed by the law.
 
JESUS’ priesthood is possible only through the cross. For Jesus to be the holy, blameless and pure High Priest, the Father required the Son to offer himself to the cross. Jesus is the ultimate priest because he has made the superior offering to God.
    Jesus’ offering is sufficient. We need offer no further animal and grain gifts of sacrifice. Your offering now is a life of sacrifice that rejects sin and receives sanctification. God’s will is that our sacrificial life will form us to become more pure in Christ. And by God’s will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all. (Hebrews 10:10)
    What is a life of sacrifice? One place the Bible defines this in Romans 12. The apostle Paul begins that chapter: Therefore (because your salvation is in Christ Jesus), I urge you, brothers, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God – this is your spiritual act of worship. (Romans 12:1) To offer your bodies as holy and pleasing to God is to worship God. Your life is to be an active, continual response to the Lord, who has saved you. Paul then goes on to give specific ways you worship God with as a living sacrifice.
    Let’s review the apostle’s points in Romans 12:2-13: (verse 2) You do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world. The word of God transforms you with a renewed mind. (Verse 3) You submit to God’s’ will. You are humble, knowing God has given you the faith to believe in him. (verse 4) You gather with the body of believers to use your gifts. (verses 6-11) Prophesying, teaching, serving, encouraging, generous giving, loving others, hating evil and zealously defending God will guide you to a holy life. (Romans 12:12-13) Spiritual sacrifice is to be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. You share with God’s people who are in need. Practice hospitality.
    Hebrews desires we truly take time to understand and celebrate Jesus’ one physical sacrifice to end the old covenant and begin the new. God’s story is being completed through the faith journey he has given you. Be an active participant. Sacrifice your will to his.