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NAMES AND OFFICES OF CHRIST
OUR Lord possessed, from all eternity, a nature infinitely superior to that of angels [Note: Heb_1:3; Heb_1:8; Heb_1:10.]: yet did he submit to the lowest humiliation for us [Note: Php_2:6-7.]. And it is by the knowledge of him, as humbled, that we attain salvation [Note: Joh_17:8.].
The Apostle having spoken much on this subject in the foregoing chapter, enforces it with this affectionate exhortation—
I. Explain the exhortation—
The first thing that calls for our attention is the description which he gives of all true Christians—
[Wishing to persuade, he strove by tenderness to conciliate their esteem: he calls them brethren; which they are, both by relation [Note: Mat_23:9.] and affection [Note: 1Jn_3:14.]. They are “holy;” set apart for the service and enjoyment of God—washed in the fountain of Christ’s blood, and renewed after the Divine image: they are “partakers of an heavenly calling;” called to heavenly exercises and enjoyments—obedient to that call—and suitably influenced by it in their hearts and lives. How amiable is such a character! “brethren!” “holy!” “called!” &c. Who would not wish to be found of their number?]
The next thing which demands our notice is the object he sets before them—
[When he speaks of Christ in common, he places the name “Jesus” first; but when with more than ordinary solemnity, the name “Christ” is first. He here describes the Saviour both by his names and offices. His names “Christ [Note: It is of the same import as Messias, Joh_1:44 and means Anointed.], Jesus [Note: Jesus is the same with Joshua, Heb_4:8.; and Joshua is a contraction for Jah Oseah, the former of which signifies God, and the latter Saviour. This name was given by God to Hoseah the son of Nun, who, as a type of Christ, led the Israelites into the land of Canaan: and the giving of this name to the Virgin’s Son may be justly considered as an accomplishment of that prophecy which said he should be called Emmanuel, God with us. Its import therefore is, Divine Saviour. See Mat_1:21-23 and Bp. Pearson, p. 69, 70.],” are peculiarly significant in this connexion: his offices are such as Moses and Aaron sustained under the law. Christ is “the Apostle of our profession,” as being sent, like Moses, to publish that religion which we profess: he is also “the High-priest of it,” because, like Aaron, he performs all that is necessary for our reconciliation with God [Note: Jesus, as our High-priest, offered himself a sacrifice for us—is gone into the holy of holies to present his blood before the mercy-seat—liveth to make intercession for us—presents our offerings unto the Father—bears us on his breast-plate—and makes known to us the will of God.].]
The last thing to explain is the duty which he presses upon them—
The word which we translate “consider,” implies an attentive regard [Note: Ê á ô á í ï Þ ó á ô å .]. It might easily be shewn how important this duty is; but our observations on this subject will occur more properly in another place.]
Having spoken what was necessary to unfold the meaning of the exhortation, we proceed to,
II. Enforce it—
To those who answer the foregoing character we address the exhortation—
1. Consider the object set before you—
His names—
[As “Jesus,” Divine Saviour, he is able to save to the uttermost: As “Christ,” he was anointed of God for this very purpose. Had he not been appointed of God, or had he been less than God, you might have been afraid to trust in him; but his names attest his right and ability to save. Think how these words would sound in hell; and let them be as sweet to you as they would be to the unhappy spirits there.]
His offices—
[As the Apostle or Prophet of the Church, he will instruct all [Note: Mat_11:29.] — — — As the High-priest, he will open a way for us into the holy place [Note: Heb_10:19-20.] — — — O reflect on these, till your hearts burn within you with gratitude and love!]
2. Consider more particularly the view given of him in the preceding and following context—
His compassion as an High-priest—
[He himself has endured persecution from men, temptation from Satan, desertion from God, &c. [Note: Heb_2:17-18.]: he will sympathize with you under your trials [Note: Heb_4:15. This may be further illustrated by the care of a refiner, whom Christ is said to resemble, Mal_3:3.]. Let this be a source of comfort to you under every affliction.]
His faithfulness as a Prophet—
[He extends his care to all his people [Note: Heb_3:2.]: he never suffered the weakest believer to err finally [Note: Isa_35:8.]; nor will he fail to guide us aright [Note: Isa_30:21. Psa_73:24.]. Go to him then for teaching in every doubt and every difficulty.]
Those who do not answer to the character may reap
benefit from the exhortation—
[Ye who are unholy, and strangers to the heavenly calling, consider this description of our blessed Lord. Consider it—with attention, that you may understand it—with faith, that you may have an interest in it—with affection, that you may delight in it—with gratitude, that you may display its influence in your heart [Note: This subject may be reduced to more of unity and simplicity, thus:—Mark,
I. What offices the Lord Jesus Christ sustains for us—
Every religion has its apostles, who propagate it, and its priests, who perform its rites. Of our religion our incarnate God, the Lord Jesus Christ, is both the Apostle and High-priest. These offices were assigned to him from eternity, Psa_40:6-8. He executed them faithfully when on earth; the prophetic, Heb_1:2; Heb_2:3; the priestly, Heb_1:3; Heb_2:14; Heb_2:17. He still discharges them for the good of his people; as a prophet, teaching them by his Spirit, Joh_16:7-11; as a priest, compassionating and relieving all their spiritual necessities, Heb_2:18; Heb_4:15.
II. Our duty towards Him in relation to them—
We should consider him in these characters: with attention, that we may have the fullest knowledge of him; with faith, that we derive all benefit from them; with gratitude, that we may give him the glory of them.
Address—
1. Those who profess to be “partakers of the heavenly calling”—
If indeed you have experienced the power of divine grace, you will need no incentives to this duty. To contemplate the Lord Jesus Christ in all his excellency and glory, will be the richest delight of your souls.
2. To those who are strangers to this holy exercise—
Alas! what do you lose! There is no other subject under heaven that would so repay your labour. The more you delight yourselves in Christ, the more evidence you will have of his grace in your souls, and the better preparation for his glory.].]