JOHN’S VISION OF THE HEAVENLY PRIEST

JOHN’S VISION OF THE HEAVENLY PRIEST

Rev. 1:13 and in the midst of the seven lamp-stands One like the Son of Man, clothed with a garment down to the feet and girded about the chest with a golden band.

John saw unspeakable things that Sunday on the Isle of Patmos. He was probably walking and praying for his churches just across the sea in Asia Minor. He was “in the Spirit” on the Lord’s day, caught up in the presence of the Holy Spirit when the resurrected, glorified Lord appeared to Him. Jesus was dressed in the priestly robes, after all, He is our heavenly high priest. Here are comments about this vision from Matthew Henry.

” He was clothed with a garment down to the foot, a princely and priestly robe, denoting righteousness and honor. He was girt about with a golden girdle, the breast-plate of the high priest, on which the names of his people are engraven; he was ready girt to do all the work of a Redeemer.”

Adam Clarke also spoke about this heavenly priest.

“Clothed with a garment down to the foot. This is a description of the high priest, in his sacerdotal robes. See these described at large in the notes on Exod. xxviii. 4, &c., Jesus is our high priest, even in heaven. He is still discharging the sacerdotal functions before the throne of God.”

For some people this may seem insignificant but this is the present day ministry of Jesus. He is a real man, ministering in the heavenly temple on our behalf. What is the nature of His heavenly ministry? Here are several thoughts. First, He is able to save us to the uttermost because He is interceding for us before the Father. Think about it, His prayers are sure and He is praying for you. Secondly, He is called the minister of the sanctuary. He has opened the way for us to come into the Father’s presence. His sacrificial death has opened heaven for us, we can come boldly before the throne of grace to find help in our time of need. Third, He is the minister of the new and better covenant. The old covenant consisted of laws and regulations but did not have the power to change our hearts. This new covenant is different, not only are our sins forgiven, He also puts His new nature within our hearts. We are changed into His likeness. Finally, He is the Baptizer in the Holy Spirit. John the Baptist prophesied about this aspect of His heavenly ministry. As John baptized people in water as an earthly priest, Jesus baptizes us in the heavenly substance. He baptizes us in The Spirit and in His fire.
John was effected powerfully that day by his encounter with the Heavenly High Priest, he was caught up into heaven and saw unspeakable things. We, too, can experience the mighty power of His presence, we can benefit greatly by the ministry of this heavenly priest.