Jesus, Our High Priest

During the series on Hebrews, I wanted to read through the book of Hebrews along with the messages.  As I was reading, I purposed to choose at least one verse from each chapter that stood out to me.  As I journeyed through each chapter, I noticed an underlying theme that kept jumping out at me.  The writer was constantly showing the Hebrew nation the difference between the old law under Moses and how Jesus fulfilled the old law while creating a new law that superseded what was given to Moses.  

“Moses was certainly faithful in God’s house as a servant. His work was an illustration of the truths God would reveal later. But Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house. And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ.” - Hebrews 3:5-6 (NLT)

The Hebrew people grew up under the law of Moses with all its sacrifices, rituals, rules, and regulations. Just read the book of Leviticus!!  When Jesus came, He did not come the way they expected, which made it difficult for them to accept He was the true Messiah and the One they had been waiting for all along.  We see the writer of Hebrews use examples from the Old Testament to prove that what he or she was claiming about Jesus was, in fact, true.

“Then He said, “Look, I have come to do your will.” He cancels the first covenant in order to put the second into effect. For God’s will was for us to be made holy by the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ, once for all time. Under the old covenant, the priest stands and ministers before the altar day after day, offering the same sacrifices again and again, which can never take away sins. But our High Priest offered Himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then He sat down in the place of honor at God’s right hand. There He waits until his enemies are humbled and made a footstool under His feet. For by that one offering He forever made perfect those who are being made holy.” - Hebrews 10:9-14 (NLT)

“There were many priests under the old system, for death prevented them from remaining in office. But because Jesus lives forever, His priesthood lasts forever. Therefore He is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through Him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.” - Hebrews 7:23-25 (NLT)

“But now Jesus, our High Priest, has been given a ministry that is far superior to the old priesthood, for He is the one who mediates for us a far better covenant with God, based on better promises.” - Hebrews 8:6 (NLT)

The concept of a High Priest is foreign to us as Gentiles and Americans; it’s not a system we grew up in or even witness on a daily basis.  But as I read through the Bible, I can picture what it may have been like to live under the old law.  Two words I do understand are “promise” and “oath:”

“So God has given both his promise and his oath. These two things are unchangeable because it is impossible for God to lie. Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us. This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our souls. It leads us through the curtain into God’s inner sanctuary.” - Hebrews 6:18-19 (NLT)

So while I may not be able to completely understand the concept of a High Priest and how Moses was a type and shadow of Jesus, I can understand that when God makes a promise or an oath, it will come to pass.

“For as the rain comes down, and the snow from heaven,
And do not return there,
But water the earth,
And make it bring forth and bud,
That it may give seed to the sower
And bread to the eater,
So shall My word be that goes forth from My mouth;
It shall not return to Me void,
But it shall accomplish what I please,
And it shall prosper in the thing for which I sent it.
Isaiah 55:10-11 (NKJV)

As our High Priest, Jesus made a way for us to boldly approach God without limitations or restrictions.  We don’t have to shed blood or prepare a sacrifice - Jesus was our sacrifice once and for all.  He was the sacrifice so He could become our High Priest.

JOURNAL:  What does Jesus being our “Once-For-All-Time Sacrifice and High Priest” mean to you?  How does this change how you approach God in prayer and worship?

PRAYER:  I love how Hebrews closes out the book with a type of benediction.  I encourage you to pray this over yourself and your family today:

Now may the God of peace—
    who brought up from the dead our Lord Jesus,
the great Shepherd of the sheep,
    and ratified an eternal covenant with his blood—
may he equip you with all you need
    for doing his will.
May he produce in you,[a]
    through the power of Jesus Christ,
every good thing that is pleasing to him.
    All glory to him forever and ever! Amen.
Hebrews 13:20-21 (NLT)