Of all the actions Jesus performed, one of the most significant was sitting. I’m serious:
“After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…” (Hebrews 1:3)
“But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God, waiting from that time until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet. For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified.” (Hebrews 10:12–14)
Hebrews repeats this important concept: Jesus did what he came to do, then he sat down. According to Hebrews, Jesus played the role of both priest and sacrifice through his crucifixion. He was the priest offering the perfect sacrifice to God, and he was also the perfect sacrifice being offered as an atonement for the sins of humanity. In doing this, Jesus purified us from our sin and brought us to God.
And then he sat down. That was it. All that he needed to do. With his last breath on earth he declared “It is finished,” then he went back to the Father and sat down. When you make a perfect offering, you don’t need to add anything to it.
This has so much significance for our daily lives. Jesus has “offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins.” Your sins have been paid for. I know that we all feel unworthy of God. Sure, Jesus paid for my sins. Sure, Jesus has reconciled me to God. But I still feel like there’s something I need to do. I need to get cleaned up a bit.
But Jesus sat down. He made the perfect sacrifice—he’s the only one who could. And then it was done. So he took a seat. What more are you going to add to Jesus’ sacrifice? If God is fully satisfied with Jesus’ offering on your behalf, what more is he looking for? What is your effort to clean yourself up before God going to do, other than demean the perfection of Jesus’ crucifixion?
Our thankful hearts should lead us to do much for God’s sake. But don’t forget where you stand. You’re God’s child. Not because you deserve it, but because God received the perfect payment on your behalf. God’s satisfaction with you is not evidenced by your stellar obedience, but by Jesus’ seated posture at God’s right hand.