The Hebrews writer says that after Jesus had “endured the cross, despising the shame,” he “sat down at the right hand of God.” The fact that he “sat down” is very significant. Where he sat — at the right hand of God — signifies the honor and glory of his position as our high priest, prophet, and king (Acts 2:33; Ps. 110:1; Matt. 19:28; 22:44; Mark 16:19; Col. 3:1; Heb. 1:13). The fact that He is pictured as sitting signifies the completion of his work. That is, when his work was done, He sat down.

Scripture says he “rested” when his work of Creation was done (Gen. 2:2, 3; John 1:1-3; Col. 1:16). But he didn’t “sit down.” Though the work of Creation was done, he still had more to do. He worked all through the Old Testament to bring the Seed Promise to fulfillment in Israel. As “the Angel of the Lord” he still had much work to do (Gen. 22:11-18; Ex. 3:2-4, 14; John 8:58; Gal. 3:16). He still had work to do as “the Son of Man.” He came in the flesh to do the work of the Father (John 5:30; 6:38; Matt. 20:28; Matt. 26:39). His work was to live in perfect obedience to the Father so that he could be the perfect sacrifice for our sins (Gal. 1:3-5; Titus 2:14). The Hebrews writer says that after he did that, he “sat down.” After his death on the cross, after his time in the tomb, after his resurrection, after his appearances to the disciples, after his ascension back to heaven, after he offered his blood before the throne of God as the “once for all” sacrifice for sins, after all his work was done, he sat down.

On another occasion, Steven was allowed to see him “standing at the right hand of God (Acts 7:56).” How significant for us! Christ sat down when his work of redemption was done. But he will still stand up to pay attention to the affairs of his faithful. God cares for and is watchful of us.

Now, the work is ours: to hear and obey his gospel and to spread that gospel to the world.