Blessing Quote by Gerrit Dawson
““Kelly Kapic has argued powerfully for the possibility that Jesus’ final blessing was that of the high priest giving Aaron’s benediction to the people after atonement for sin had been made. The branding blessing from Numbers 6 takes on even more significance if we consider it coming from mouth of the incarnate Lord himself. Kapic’s conclusion thrills me every time I read it: Whereas Aaron could lift his arms and pray for God’s face to shine on the people, in seeing Jesus ascending into the heavens these believers saw the actual face of God shining. While they had heard of God’s graciousness, now they had seen him who is Gracious. While they had held out for God’s lifted countenance, they now saw it actualized. While they had longed for the peace promised in the benediction, they now knew him who was Peace. The great High Priest came and not only pronounced the benediction, but he became the benediction. Here the medium is the Mediator, and thus he is not to be looked beyond, but rather looked to. Those who saw the ascension witnessed the personification of Aaron’s benediction in Jesus Christ![6]””
About This Quote
Source Article: Theology Journal, “Jesus as the High Priest Benediction”, 2023
The passage argues that Jesus fulfills and embodies the ancient priestly blessing, turning a ritual into a direct encounter with God’s presence and peace.
In simple terms: Jesus turns a priestly prayer into a personal experience of God.
Key Takeaway
Recognize Jesus as the living fulfillment of ancient blessings.
Themes
theology
Christology
spiritual experience
biblical interpretation
Mood
reverent
contemplative
Type
explanatory
inspirational
When to use this quote
- Worship services
- personal devotion
- sermon teaching
- Bible study groups
Key Concepts
Mediation
incarnation
divine presence
Questions to Reflect On
- How does seeing Jesus as the benediction affect personal faith?
- What implications does this have for understanding priesthood?
A Different Perspective
Interpretation may vary across denominations, and some may view the claim as metaphorical rather than literal.
![“Why does it seem like there’s something the matter with everything? Because there is something wrong with everything!”[2]” quote by Gerrit Dawson](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/336/gerrit-dawson-32250_quote_why-does-it-seem-like-there-s-something_2249475.jpg)
