Christ Ascended to Make Intercession
Jesus' ascension into heaven is not just to enjoy glory, but to make intercession for us, defending us against Satan's accusations and reconciling us with the Father.
David Wilkerson emphasizes that Christ ascended not only to receive glory but to intercede for us in the heavenly tabernacle. He explains that Jesus' intercession counters Satan's accusations, declaring victory over our sins and ensuring we are free from condemnation. Furthermore, Christ enforces the blessings of Jubilee, reminding us of our legal freedom and the privileges we have as His children. Lastly, Jesus intercedes within our hearts, providing reassurance and strength in our relationship with the Father. This powerful work of intercession highlights the depth of Christ's love and commitment to our salvation.
Text
Just as the high priest ascended the stairs to the holy place on the day of atonement, our High Priest ascended into the heavenly tabernacle, " . . . a greater and more perfect tabernacle, not made with hands" (Hebrews 9:11). Jesus ascended not merely to enjoy the glory He deserves but to do a work on our behalf.
The writer of Hebrews reminds us that Jesus' work in heaven is all for us: "He ever liveth to make intercession for [us]" (7:25). Christ does it all for us! What exactly does it mean that "He lives to make intercession for us"? I believe Jesus intercedes for us in three ways:
First, some of us imagine Jesus standing before the Father, pleading with Him to show us mercy when we fail. But that is not the case. Christ's intercession for us has to do with Satan's accusations against us. You see, the devil comes to God's throne to accuse us of every failure and transgression. He cries, "I want justice. And if You are a just God, You will damn and destroy this person. He deserves it."
But then, Jesus steps in. He does not have to persuade the Father of anything. Rather, He simply declares the victory of His cross. Then He turns to Satan and says, "Didn't you hear the trumpet sound? You have no claim over this child of Mine. Keep your hands off My property!"
Second, Christ's intercession for us means He makes certain that we obtain and enjoy all the benefits provided by Jubilee. Just as the Levites enforced the law that provided every man with his just blessings, Jesus today enforces the privileges of Jubilee for us. He makes sure we know we are legally free.
Third, Jesus intercedes in our own hearts, reconciling us with the Father. He continually answers our doubts and fears, and reminds us that we forgiven. We can trust in God's faithfulness to provide us with all the power and strength we need.
Sermon Outline
- Christ's Ascension to Make Intercession
- Christ's Intercession Against Satan's Accusations
- Christ's Intercession for Jubilee Benefits
- Christ's Intercession in Our Hearts
- Jesus' work in heaven is for our benefit
- Christ's intercession is not to persuade the Father, but to declare the victory of His cross
- Jesus declares the victory of His cross over Satan's accusations
- Jesus defends His children against Satan's claims
- Jesus enforces the privileges of Jubilee for us
- Jesus makes sure we know we are legally free
- Jesus reconciles us with the Father
- Jesus answers our doubts and fears
Key Quotes
“He ever liveth to make intercession for [us] (Hebrews 7:25)” — David Wilkerson
“Didn't you hear the trumpet sound? You have no claim over this child of Mine. Keep your hands off My property!” — David Wilkerson
“He continually answers our doubts and fears, and reminds us that we forgiven.” — David Wilkerson
Application Points
- We can trust in God's faithfulness to provide us with all the power and strength we need.
- Jesus defends us against Satan's accusations and claims us as His children.
- We are legally free from the burdens of sin and guilt through Jesus' intercession.