Scripture to Read: Hebrews 8:3-6
God comes back to the role of the high priest here on earth and compares it to what Christ, as our High Priest, is doing for us. God repeats Himself throughout His Word. He knows we need repetition because we are often too slow to get His Truth the first time. Each high priest was appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices to God the Father. These earthly priests offered these gifts and sacrifices on behalf of the people of Israel, and themselves, because they were all sinful people. Christ, our High Priest, also offered something to God the Father. Christ offered the perfect gift, Him- self. God says in Ephesians 5:2, “...Christ also loved you and gave Himself up for us, an offering and a sacrifice to God as a fragrant aroma.” Christ was (and always
will be) the Perfect Sacrifice, to God the Father, on our behalf. In Hebrews 8:4-5, God reminds us that these earthly priests were only portraying a copy, a shadow, of the true heavenly tabernacle built by God. God even warned Moses in Exodus 25:40, “See that you make them after the pattern for them, which was shown to you on the mountain.” Christ is not on earth because the earthly priesthood could never be enough to satisfy God’s wrath on sin. Christ is now in the tabernacle built by God. Christ obtained the most excellent ministry far exceeding the Levitical priestly ministry. The ministry Christ has, He is our Mediator (Intercessor), uniting us to God the Father, according to God’s promises.
Challenge & Application
1. What did God teach you today about Christ’s minis- try on our behalf? When’s the last time you thanked God for all He’s done for you through Christ?
2. Who will you share with this week about Christ’s ministry to all believers?
Don’t forget to pray using the A.C.T.S. (Adoration, Confession, Thanksgiving, Supplication) method!