Hebrews 8:1

Hebrews 8:1

We do have such a High Priest

This chapter of the Epistle to the Hebrews begins with a rather unsettling comment. After all that we have covered in recent studies we find that we have yet to get to the main point! We’ve deliberated over explanations of the qualifications of God’s Son, the provision of spiritual rest, the efficiency of the Word of God, the establishment of the priesthood and the covenant with Abraham, the role of a High Priest and the appointment of Jesus Christ to be that person for the church forever. If we thought that was sufficient material for a fairly complex letter, then we are being reminded that all this is just an introduction! If that is not enough, now we are reminded that we are about to get to the main point! 

Firstly, the author wants to stress to his Jewish readers that every quality required by an earthly High Priest has been met in Christ Jesus - and some. He has demonstrated that despite any misgivings they might have and despite His office not fitting the exact qualifications of the Law, in every other way Jesus surpasses the strictest demands of the priesthood, not least because he occupies the position permanently and has removed the need for daily sacrifices. We now take this one step further, at the end of his day’s work an earthly High Priest retired to his home and his leisure, but this is not so with Jesus. He has sat down, having completed His work, but His seat is at the “right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven.” In ancient times, the right hand speaks of a position of ultimate honour, whoever sat at the right hand of a sovereign occupied a place of power and privilege. The earthly priests must stand to perform their duties which signified that these duties were never complete. Jesus “sitting down” indicates that His job is finished, there is nothing more to be done. By taking His place at the right hand of God, our High Priest also declares to us that He has immediate and personal access to Father God and thus He is able to act as our intercessor and representative in heaven. 

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