Ben Grisez

Before Jesus went to the cross, by faith Mary poured out all her precious oil upon Jesus to anoint Him for burial. Jesus poured out His soul unto death so we can be redeemed, forgiven and saved. Let us pour out praise and thanksgiving to God now and forever for His unspeakable gift.

Through Jesus Christ God established a new covenant and rendered the old covenant obsolete as a means of finding favour with God. With Jesus as our High Priest seated and ministering in heaven, by faith in Him we have forgiveness of sin, a relationship with God, and our lawless deeds God remembers no more. This new covenant can only be received by those who are born again, new creations by God's grace.

By an oath God declared Jesus as high priest according to the order of Melchizedek and gave Him an unchangeable priesthood. Since Jesus is our risen, acting high priest He is able to save to the uttermost all who come to God through faith in Him. Jesus is the perfect fit as high priest for us who makes intercession for us, and we are complete in Him.

As Jesus taught He answered questions asked by His disciples. Jesus revealed insights about the future and exhorted His followers to hold fast to the truth. The disciples desired a timeline but Jesus gave them far better: a mouth and wisdom to answer and settled hearts to understand troubling signs revealed their redemption drew near.

Jesus contrasted the scribes who sought what they could gain with a poor widow who gave God all. In light of God giving Himself for us, we ought to first give ourselves to God as living sacrifices for His glory. It is more blessed to give than to receive.

Jesus came to earth as Messiah and overcame His opposition and enemies face to face. He silenced them with His wisdom while instructing those who follow Him in faith. Jesus is a King and Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek, and He is our LORD at hand ready to save.

Whilst Israel placed great emphasis on offering sacrifices to God, their sin and lack of mercy revealed they did not know Him. Obedience is better than sacrifice, yet the sacrifices of a broken heart God will not despise. God has shown us mercy continually, even by sending His Son Jesus Christ as a sacrifice for sin so we can be saved.

God's people thought their sacrifices made them acceptable before God, but because they were in sin without repentance He withdrew Himself from them. God knew in their affliction they would seek Him, and He would patiently wait for them to seek Him in repentance. Jesus stands at the door and knocks, and may we quickly rise and open our hearts to Him

In directing Hosea to show love to Gomer by redeeming her, God illustrated how He purchased His sinning people for Himself. God desired to be known by His beloved people, and we can know God through a relationship with Jesus Christ.

Pastor Ben expounds God's Word from Galatians 5:1-12