Slices
Prepare
Begin by praising God, for he has ‘blessed us in the heavenly realms with every spiritual blessing in Christ’ (Ephesians 1:3).
Bible passage
The high priest of a new covenant
8 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.
Explore
We find it very difficult to grasp something that we cannot see. Maybe that was why God chose to give the Israelites the tabernacle – the tent in the middle of their camp – as they travelled through the desert. This tabernacle, and the Temple built by Solomon that replaced it, were designed to remind them of God’s presence with them. But these earthly structures were only ever faint ‘models’ (v 5) pointing to the true dwelling place of God: the heavenly court and sanctuary (vs 1,2).
The writer to the Hebrews invites us to see through the veil of this transitory earthly life to the great truth that Jesus, our king-priest, is serving as Priest in God’s heavenly throne room right now. Notice that Jesus has ‘sat down’, which means that his priestly work of offering sacrifices for sin is complete. The gift Jesus presented (v 3) was his own life, which he offered as the ultimate and definitive sacrifice to cover our sin (v 3). But the priest’s role was also to be a mediator: praying for the people and teaching them God’s ways. This is the priestly work Jesus is doing for you and me, right now.
Respond
Because Jesus is our High Priest in the presence of the ‘Majesty’, we can approach God’s throne of grace with confidence (Hebrews 4:16). Whatever grace or help you need today, ask Jesus.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Jeremiah 40,41; John 15
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for the Mission Events and Holidays team as they dream of other holidays or events that could serve young people. Pray for God-inspired ideas and kingdom partnerships that will ensure that every child or young person would have opportunity to hear the gospel.
