Hebrews – Jesus, Our High Priest

They can seem worlds apart—the Old Testament and the New. In the old, God appears consumed with sacrifices, the bloody death of perfect animals in exchange for His people’s sin. Day after day, year after year, priests performed the rite for their own purification as well as for the people in a process as endless as their sin. But in the gospels, we saw a shift. Laws that were once written on tablets were now written on hearts. The Spirit of God now filled believers, leading them in paths of righteousness instead of a list of restrictive rules. More than that, the old sacrificial system came to an end. What made the difference?

Jesus Christ, the spotless Lamb and our great High Priest.

Though definitely a revolutionary, Jesus did not come to abolish Old Testament law. Instead, as the perfect Son of God, He came to fulfill it—the one accomplishment no other human could ever attain. By living righteously, he offered himself as the one perfect Lamb, a final sacrifice to silence sin’s written decree against His people. More than even that, Jesus rose from death to sit forever at the right hand of the Father, where He prays for His people and strengthens them to endure in their faith.

Hebrews described Jesus as our high priest, the only One through whom we each have access to the Father. All the symbolism wrapped around the Old Testament tabernacle and system of worship pointed to Jesus’ appointed position as mediator for God’s people, a high priest whose eternal nature keeps God’s people forever in His grace. Jesus bridged the gap between law and grace, living a life we couldn’t live, paying our debt we couldn’t afford, and giving us abundant life as fellow recipients of God’s favor and love. Hebrews summed up Jesus Christ’s sufficiency as our prophet, priest, and king, the only One worthy to sit on the throne of God.

In light of Jesus’ power and majesty, Hebrews challenges believers to press on in spite of opposition. To experience the blessing, we must endure to the very end, keeping our eyes on the Author and Perfecter of our faith who also endured pain for the joy set before Him.

What is the theme of Hebrews?

Who is our High Priest?

Do you have idols in your life? What should you do with them?