December 18th~Our Great High Priest

Hebrews 4:14-7:28

The writer of Hebrews continued his case for Christ’s superiority over the elements of the Old Covenant system. He already demonstrated that He is to be preferred over the angels, over Moses, and over Joshua. Next, he compared Christ to the High Priest of Israel, the most important and respected position among God’s people. How does he stack up?

First, though Jesus was not from the lineage of Aaron, the first High Priest, or from the tribe of Levi, He was from the lineage of a priest named Melchizedek, who came before Aaron (Genesis 14; Psalm 110). Melchizedek was an Old Testament type or picture of Christ, his name meaning “righteousness.” He was the King of Salem (meaning “peace”), having no father or mother and no beginning or end (Hebrews 7:1-8). Since he preceded the Levitical priests of Aaron, this means that Melchizedek was first and that his priestly lineage takes precedence and his ministry and mediation is more important. Abraham, the Father of the Jewish nation, recognized the importance of Melchizedek and worshiped him.

While this assertion, that Christ’s priesthood superseded the Levitical priesthood, would have jolted his Jewish readers, the writer was trying to establish the credentials that Jesus had, to be the perfect Mediator for the New Covenant system. In fact, he went on to write, “If the priesthood of Levi could have achieved God’s purposes..., why did God need to send a different priest from the line of Melchizedek, instead of from the line of Levi and Aaron?” (7:11). The answer is that the priesthood of Levi was imperfect, ineffective, and, therefore, incomplete.

Christ is our great High Priest! His ministry was greater than any priest who has ever lived. He was human and, therefore, experienced everything that we do, even temptation, so He “understands our weaknesses” (4:15). He lived a life without sin; thus, He is holy and blame- less. Also, since He is not dead but alive, He is able to intercede on our behalf before the Lord continually (7:23-25).

Daily Reflection

What are the implications of Jesus’ priesthood? Why should you care about His mediatory role? Here are three things to consider. First, Jesus made the ultimate sacrifice for your sins, by giving Himself (10:12); therefore, you no longer have to make sacrifices for wrongdoing. Your sins have been dealt with on the cross. Second, because Christ is your High Priest, you have no need for an earthly mediator, a priest, a pastor, or anyone else to communicate with God on your behalf. Finally, because your Mediator is holy and righteous, and because He paid the ultimate sacrifice for sin, you can approach the throne of God with boldness and confidence, to find grace when you need it (4:16). You have total access to God!

Imagine yourself at the throne of God right now. There is nothing in your way. He is ready to receive you and to listen to you. What help do you need right now? How can He intercede for you?

Because of your great High Priest, you have an all-access pass to the God of heaven. He is waiting to hear from you. Because of Christ, you can approach Him with no reservations!

BiAY.org | Day 352 — 13 Days to Go