The Encouragement of Jesus’ “once-and-for-all” Sacrifice

For Christ did not enter a sanctuary made by human hands, a mere copy of the true one, but he entered into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf. Nor was it to offer himself again and again, as the high priest enters the Holy Place year after year with blood that is not his own; for then he would have had to suffer again and again since the foundation of the world. But as it is, he has appeared once for all at the end of the age to remove sin by the sacrifice of himself. And just as it is appointed for mortals to die once, and after that the judgement, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin, but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him. Hebrews 9:24-28

I have always been intrigued by “the once and for all” sacrifice of Jesus.  In Hebrews, Jesus is seen as the great high priest whose sacrifice is fully guaranteed for all who would accept it.  No need to repeat it if accepted.  It’s been offered “once and for all!”  So, what does this mean?

I would suggest that it brings us a sense of freedom and a compulsion to act beyond our imagination – to give our all – to be fully invested.  I think of the poor woman of Mark 12:41-44 who gave two small coins into the Temple treasury.  Unbeknownst to her, Jesus was watching.  Jesus calls the disciples and uses that observation of the widow’s gift (often referred to as the widow’s mite) as an object lesson for them to be fully invested with no holds barred.  It is as if the great high priest has given us the green light to serve with our whole being!  We don’t have to worry about what we have to do.  We do it because Jesus has our backs!

So, translate that compulsion – that green light – that fully invested discipleship into a loving act of service and ministry.  Oh, think of the possibilities that the “once and for all” sacrifice opens up to us.  Even if we give just a “mite,” God will bless it as we freely offer it in the name and love of Jesus Christ.

Prayer: O God, may we have the compulsion and passion to love and serve as you have already done for us through Christ’s “once and for all” sacrifice on the cross.  Grant us the energy and desire to be fully invested in ways our Lord calls us to be involved.  In Jesus’ name. Amen.

Rev. Dr. John J. Duling, Parish Associate