stephen R Harrison

“A New High Priest”

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.”

-Hebrews 4:14

In our system of government, we elect people to terms of service to represent us in making, interpreting, and upholding laws for the betterment of society. If someone does not fulfill their duties and promises, a new person can be voted in to replace them. Sometimes, the promise of a new person in office can bring hope for the upcoming years. However, no term or leader lasts forever. Senators have served as long as 51 years in office. Some seek term limits (of which I am in favor). One thing about the Lord is he reigns forever (Psalm 146:10). Isaiah 9:7 says, “Of the greatness of his government and peace there will be no end. He will reign on David’s throne and over his Kingdom, establishing and upholding it with justice and righteousness from that time on and forever”. 

Even the Levitical priests in the Old Testament served for a limited time. Numbers 8:24-26 says they served from age 25 to 50. David reduced it to age 20 (1 Chronicles 23:37). This was probably because physical strength was needed to serve an all-day job of moving animals in the Tabernacle. The high priest was the supreme religious leader of Israel. The office was inherited, and he oversaw the other priests. He offered a sin offering for all of Israel. On the Day of Atonement, he stood in the Most Holy Place behind the veil before God and sprinkled blood on the mercy seat. 

While this was the most critical role on behalf of God’s people, it was incomplete. Priests were imperfect and needed purification. They could not do it all their lives as they grew old and died. God didn’t intend for the Levitical priesthood to be eternal. The priestly order of Melchizedek replaced it (Psalm 110:4), but a “priest forever” was needed. Hebrews 7:11 says, “If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?” Jesus came from this order of priests. He has become the guarantor of a better covenant (v. 22). Many priests served and died, but “Jesus lives forever and has a permanent priesthood” (v. 24). Verse 25 says, “He is able to save completely those who come to God through him because he always lives to intercede for them”. He was the once for all new High Priest. Unlike other priests who were all sinful, he is “holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens” (v. 26). He doesn’t need to offer sacrifices because “he sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself” (v. 27). The Son is appointed as our High Priest, perfect forever (v. 28).

Jesus is the High Priest we need—the Great High Priest (Hebrews 4:14). He empathizes with us in our weaknesses and was tempted in every way without sin (v. 15). Because he is the perfect mediator, we can approach God’s throne and receive the mercy and grace we’ve always needed. Lent is a time to thank God for Jesus, our Great High Priest. What a perfect intercessor. What a permanent sacrifice. What a Savior!

Questions: 

How is Jesus as High Priest different from the former high priests?

How does a permanent and perfect High Priest bring confidence to our lives concerning God?

Prayer:

Jesus, we needed a new high priest. The others were insufficient, imperfect, and inadequate. You are perfect in every way. You are the eternal High Priest who intercedes on our behalf to God. You are the perfect mediator and perfect sacrifice. We praise God for Jesus our eternal High Priest. In Jesus’ name, we pray, Amen.

Read: 

Hebrews 4:14-16

Action Step:

Christian leaders come and go. While they should display the character of Christ, they are imperfect. Most of them help us see Jesus and grow in him. We do not worship our Christian leaders but thank God for them. Ask God how you can thank those who have helped you grow spiritually.