Hebrews: Jesus’ Superiority Over Aaron

The Hebrew author then spoke of how Jesus during “the days of his flesh…offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death…” (5:7a; cf. Luke 22:40-44). While Jesus lived as a human, he was both God and man (John 1:1, 14). During this time, he prayed regularly for the sins of his fellow man just as Aaron’s high priests had done. The difference which shows Christ’s superiority over Judaism’s priesthood is that he did so without sin (cf. 4:15).… Read More Hebrews: Jesus’ Superiority Over Aaron

Zechariah: “They Will Look On Me Whom They Have Pierced”

Christ is speaking in first person through Zechariah’s prophecy.  That is made clear when He cited Himself as the one “whom they have pierced,” a foretelling of the crucifixion.  Thus, “I will pour out on the house of David and the inhabitants of Jerusalem, the Spirit of grace and of supplication” could be a prophecy that Christ would pour out the Holy Spirit.  Speaking of Jesus on the Day of Pentecost, Peter said, “Therefore having been exalted to the right hand of God, and having received from the Father the promise of the Holy Spirit, He has poured forth this which you both see and hear” (Acts 2:33).  Thus, this prophecy could have its fulfillment in the beginning of the church on Pentecost, with “the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem” referring to the Jews in Jerusalem who obeyed the gospel that day (Acts 2:38-41), and as a secondary application to the church as a whole, the spiritual house of David and the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb. 12:22-23).… Read More Zechariah: “They Will Look On Me Whom They Have Pierced”