This is the third of five times in the book of Hebrews where the writer mentions that the Lord Jesus has sat down at the right hand of God. This is not simply repetition without purpose; each time it is mentioned there is a specific point the Spirit of God is seeking to put before us.

First, in Hebrews 1:3 we read, “when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.” In the context the writer sets before us seven glories of the Lord Jesus; therefore, we can say He has sat down because of the glory of His Person!

Next, in the same chapter we hear the Father saying, “Sit at My right hand, till I make Your enemies Your footstool” (1:13). Here, He sits down because of His preeminence.

The third reference is today’s verse. Here, the Lord Jesus sits down because of His perfect priesthood. Unlike those in the Levitical priesthood the Lord Jesus did not have to offer a sacrifice for His own sins; neither is His priesthood limited by death because He ever lives!

This brings us to the fourth time where it is mentioned that our Lord sat down: “But this Man, after He had offered one sacrifice for sins forever, sat down at the right hand of God” (10:12). Here, we see the Lord Jesus sitting down because of His perfect sacrifice.

The fifth and final time we see Christ sitting down is in chapter 12. There we see Him as our perfect example as we run this race called the Christian life. We have an object in heaven to focus upon, “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:1–2). May our eyes and hearts be engaged and undivided with Him today!