"For this reason He had to be made like them, fully human in every way, in order that He might become a merciful and faithful High Priest in service to God, and that He might might make atonement for the sins of the people."
Hebrews 2:17
Yesterday and Friday, I wrote about Jesus as the Atonement Sacrifice and Lamb of God. I briefly mentioned that the high priest went into the Most Holy Place of the Tabernacle to offer sacrifices for the sins of all the people. Jesus is not only the sacrifice but the One offering the sacrifice! How amazing is the duality of Jesus. He can serve as the Blood that covers our sins and the One who can atone for our sins.
Only the holy priest could atone for the sins of the people on that special Day of Atonement, once a year. Since Jesus' sacrifice was more powerful than any other sacrifice, there only needs to be One. His sacrifice is Eternal and will last forever. So. Much. Power. I love studying these roles of Jesus because it sheds such depth and understanding to Who He really is!
Also the holy priests had to cleanse themselves from their sins. However, Jesus was sinless so He did not have to offer any sacrifice for Himself. Therefore, His death on the cross, is all for us. Let me repeat that....His Death is ALL FOR US. Jesus came to Earth to die for us. Jesus set aside His Heavenly Kingdom to come to our sinful, broken world to deliver us. He is our Holy Priest to offer the Sacrifice of Himself as an Atonement for all of our past, present and future sins. Let that sink in.
Lastly, the holy priests entered the earthly Tabernacle that was built by human hands. God had given Moses the instructions to build this Tabernacle straight down to the dimensions and colors of fabric. God was reflecting the Tabernacle that is built in Heaven (Hebrews 8:5). His plans were precise and direct because He knew what He wanted it to look like. Jesus entered this Tabernacle in Heaven when He offered Himself as a sacrifice.
Jesus the High Priest went into the Most Holy Place in Heaven to atone for our sins. He didn't enter the Tabernacle that was built by human hands but by the Hands of God. Can you see the beautiful picture that God has given us through scriptures? The reflection of Heaven here on Earth? The Old Testament points to Jesus and gives us insight as to the magnitude of our need for Him.
How does Jesus' role of a High Priest impact your life? Have you read Exodus and studied the role of the high priests in the Israelite nation? I encourage you to look through Exodus and learn about the Tabernacle and the sacrifice system because it makes me appreciate the work Jesus has done for me!
With His Love,
A
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