The Perfect Sacrifice
Opening Prayer
Heavenly Father, I’m grateful to You for the gift of Your Word, and Your Spirit to help me understand it.
Read Hebrews 8:1-6
[1] Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, [2] and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being. [3] Every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices, and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer. [4] If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law. [5] They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.” [6] But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises. Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION. Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984 International Bible Society. All rights reserved throughout the world. Used by permission of International Bible Society.
Reflect
Why is Jesus' ministry superior to that of the other priests?The Levitical priest’s work was never finished. They never sat down (10:11). After Jesus Christ had offered his sacrifice, however, he did (1). What do you suppose this means? Yes, in one glorious act, Jesus accomplished what all the Old Testament priests had failed to do. “It is finished,” Jesus declared from the cross immediately before he gave up his life (John 19:30). As for our salvation, our Lord had done all that was needed. Yet, people often try to add other requirements to our salvation. Has anyone expected an additional action of you? Have you perhaps added your own demands to others? Jesus took his seat. The work of salvation is perfect and complete. Note where he sat (1). The right hand of any monarch symbolized a position of great honor and power. The rituals and ceremonies of the Old Covenant were only shadows of the new. In the same way, the earthly sanctuary is but a shadow of the heavenly place of worship. If you see the shadow of a person, you know there is a real person near. You cannot have a shadow without the reality. The old priesthood and sacrifices were all shadows of what is now available through Jesus Christ.
Apply
Jesus took his seat at the right hand of God’s throne. What does that mean for you today?
Closing prayer
I praise You, Lord Jesus, seated on Your throne in power and glory. You alone are worthy of my worship.
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