BibleProject | One Story That Leads to Jesusਨਮੂਨਾ

Throughout generations, Israel’s people depended on holy priests from the tribe of Levi to rise each morning, dress in linen garments, hear confessions, inspect sacrifices, slaughter animals, burn incense … wash, rinse, repeat. Once a year, the high priest could enter the temple’s most sacred space, where God met with humanity, the holy of holies, protected by a thick veil.

Then one day, a holier priest from Judah tore that temple veil wide open. He ended the necessity for Israel to continue its ancient sacrificial system.

Today, we’re reading about the superiority of Jesus’ priestly work over that of Aaron and every Levite priest. Each son of Aaron had to not only sacrifice animals daily on behalf of God’s people, but he also had to face the reality of his own weakness and failure. Aaron’s priests themselves needed atoning forgiveness.

Jesus, as God’s superior high priest, never fails to live according to God’s will. He therefore needs no atoning sacrifice like the other priests. Now, giving himself as the final atoning sacrifice for all, Jesus passed through the temple curtain, able to enter the holy of holies and bring humanity with him into union with God. Because he does this, people then become a new temple where God and humanity meet as one.

The author is delivering a cautionary question throughout today’s reading. Will you trust in this greater high priest and move forward with confidence in his ability to fully unite you with God? Or will you fall away, returning to a deadly overconfidence in your own abilities?

Reflection Questions

• Hebrews argues that Jesus’ priesthood exceeds the Aaronic priesthood for many reasons. Read Leviticus 4 about the requirements for when a priest brings guilt upon the community. How does Jesus’ priesthood remove the need for continued sacrifice?
• While the warning passages in Hebrews use strong language, the author also writes encouraging and optimistic reminders. Meditate on Hebrews 6. How does the author both warn, encourage, and inspire hope?