The Great High Priest – Part 1

By Pastor Chad

Sometimes reading through the Old Testament may seem laborious, but there is an important reason it is included in the Christian canon. The Old Testament points to Christ. Even what may be considered as small details and nuances of the Old Testament law and institutions, points to the redemptive work God would do through Jesus. God, in His sovereign providence, chose to use the Hebrew people to bring about His redemption to the world. And He used the culture and religious practices of the Jews, to foreshadow His salvation for all mankind. Take for example, the office of priest. This was a position that was appointed to Aaron and the tribe of Levi. The priest had a specific role and function that was important to the Jewish faith. 

With that in mind, the author of Hebrews uses the religious priesthood to show Jesus is the Great High Priest. Because of the redemptive work of Christ, Christians are not obligated to follow the Levitical practices imposed upon the Israelites. Granted, Christians still follow the universal truths declared in the Old Testament (for example, “Do not murder”), but we do not follow the Mosaic practices (thus, Christians can enjoy bacon for breakfast). Jesus fulfilled the Law and Prophets; thus, it has served its purpose in ushering people to the Messiah. 

Hebrews 5:1-3 serves to draw out this above emphasis. It reads, ““For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.” It’s as if the author is saying: “Ok, you know the Jewish priesthood, right? You know how one doesn’t choose to be a priest, and the priest is a go-between for the people of Israel and God? Yeah, Jesus fulfilled all those requirements gestured to in the institution of the priesthood. He is the Great High Priest.”

This may seem like a fine point for non-Jewish readers, but it highlights the beautiful reality that Jesus fulfilled the Law, Prophets, and every religious requirement needed to restore mankind to God. This restoration cannot be achieved through human effort or will. The sin is too great; our fallibility is too profound. We need a mediator–a representative. Someone like us to be the go-between. That is where Jesus steps in. We no longer have to offer sacrifices because the ministry and work of Christ accomplished all that the Law required and more. Where the Law required sacrifice, Jesus fulfilled it. Where the Law required a practice that magnified the separation between God and man, Jesus reconciled it. Where the Law required a scapegoat, Jesus accomplished it.