Perfect High Priest

Posted by Karah

PAUSE

As you prepare for today’s devotion, picture Jesus on the cross and then the empty tomb. Thank God for your salvation that comes only through Jesus’ death and resurrection.

“For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He doesn’t need to offer sacrifices every day, as high priests do—first for their own sins, then for those of the people. He did this once for all when He offered Himself.” (Hebrews 7:26-27)

Read Hebrews 7:23-28 in your Bible. Think through the following:
• Record the differences between Jesus and the Levitical high priests listed in today’s Scripture. Make two columns in your journal and list the differences in each.
In order for the high priest to permanently intercede for the people, he had to be holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
• Why was this impossible for the high priests but completely possible for Jesus?
• In summary, what does Jesus offer that the high priests of the Old Testament could never offer?

RESPOND

Jesus is supreme—a new kind of priest—perfect and flawless in every way. He established the new covenant with His blood and acts as our High Priest, continually going before God on our behalf. His priesthood is permanent because He is alive forever.
• Explore this idea: Jesus’ sacrifice paid for all my sins, even the ones I haven’t committed yet. His sacrifice was enough to cover my mistakes forever. How does this help you handle your mistakes? Journal your thoughts.
• For further study on the supremacy of Jesus’ sacrifice, read Hebrews 8–9.

BEHIND THE STORY

When a Levitical priest died, another replaced him. The law of heredity required one of Aaron’s descendants to take over the role, even though he might not have the right qualifications to intercede for the people. However, this was not true with Jesus. He was the only one able to permanently fill the role of High Priest. Though He died, He rose again, defeated death, and will be alive to intercede for His people forever.(1)

THE POINT

Jesus is forever our High Priest. He offered Himself as the final perfect, unblemished sacrifice and is able to save anyone.

(1)Thomas D. Lea, Holman New Testament Commentary: Hebrews and James, ed. Max Anders, (Nashville, TN: Broadman & Holman, 1999), WORDsearch CROSS e-book, Under “Hebrews 7 – Safe in Jesus’ Praying Hands.”


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