“Unlike the other high priests, Jesus does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for His own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when He offered Himself” (Hebrews 7:27).
Priests of the old covenant
The author of Hebrews paints two images that are high in contrast: the priests of the past and Jesus, the new high priest. The priests of the old covenant were ordinary people, just like you and me. They could only serve for a number of years and eventually they would die, just like you and me. When they offered sacrifices for the people, they first had to offer sacrifices for themselves, because they were sinful people, just like you and me. The sacrifices had to be offered again and again because they never really sufficed to take away sin. This image looks imperfect and dull in color.
Jesus the perfect high priest
And then the author directs our gaze to the other, perfect image that shimmers with bright colors. It shows us Jesus the high priest, who offered up himself as the perfect sacrifice, once and for all (see Hebrews 9:12; 10:14). He never sinned but was holy, blameless, and pure – unlike you and me. He holds the priesthood forever because He never dies but continues forever – unlike you and me. The priests of old were appointed by the law, but Jesus was appointed by the oath God uttered: “You are a priest forever” (Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 7:17) – and this oath will never be changed or nullified.
Because of Jesus, we don’t have to fear rejection
Because Jesus is perfect, He can meet all our needs and we can confidently approach God through him. He always makes intercession for us. “For Christ has entered, not into holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true things, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God on our behalf” (Hebrews 9:24, see also Romans 8:34 and 1 John 2:1). We, imperfect people as we are, do not have to fear rejection. You might be tricked by the evil one into thinking that you would do better to hide from Jesus because of your sinfulness. However, in this chapter we are clearly told that Jesus is able to save us completely (Hebrews 7:25). Rejoice in the beauty of Jesus!
Do you suffer?
Are you suffering from a sin in your life? Or are there other problems pressing on your shoulders? Do not hesitate to take the load to Jesus, the perfect priest who always intercedes on your behalf.