Hebrews 7:20-28 is about the establishment of Jesus as the eternal high priest, surpassing the limitations of the Levitical priesthood and offering a perfect and complete sacrifice for sin.
20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath,
21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’”
22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.
23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office,
24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.
25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.
28 For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
Setting the Scene for Hebrews 7:20-28
In Hebrews chapter 7, the scene is set in the heavenly realm, where Jesus Christ is portrayed as the eternal high priest in the order of Melchizedek. The author of Hebrews contrasts the priesthood of Jesus with the Levitical priesthood, highlighting Jesus’ superiority and the permanence of His priesthood. The setting is one of divine authority and eternal significance, emphasizing the unique role of Jesus as the mediator between God and humanity.
Within this scene, we see Jesus, the Son of God, who has been appointed by God as the eternal high priest. He is depicted as the perfect and sinless mediator who is able to intercede on behalf of humanity before God. The author of Hebrews emphasizes the eternal nature of Jesus’ priesthood, contrasting it with the temporary and imperfect nature of the Levitical priesthood.
Surrounding Jesus are believers who have placed their faith in Him as their high priest and savior. They have come to understand the significance of Jesus’ role as the ultimate mediator between God and humanity, and they find comfort and assurance in His perfect priesthood. The scene conveys a sense of reverence, awe, and gratitude towards Jesus for His sacrificial work on behalf of all who believe in Him.
What is Hebrews 7:20-28 about?
This verse highlights the unique role of Jesus as our eternal high priest. High priests in the Old Testament would make sacrifices for the sins of the people year after year. However, Jesus, as our high priest, offered himself as a perfect sacrifice once and for all. This act of sacrifice was sufficient to atone for all of our sins for eternity, demonstrating the depth of his love and the completeness of his redemption.
Have you ever reflected on the magnitude of Jesus’ sacrifice as our high priest? It’s truly remarkable to think that he willingly gave himself up to pay the price for our sins once and for all. This verse serves as a powerful reminder of the incredible gift of salvation that we have received through Jesus’ ultimate sacrifice. Jesus, our eternal high priest, continues to intercede for us before God, offering grace, mercy, and forgiveness to all who believe in him.
Understanding what Hebrews 7:20-28 really means
Hebrews 7:20-28 delves into the profound concept of Jesus’ priesthood surpassing the Levitical priesthood, highlighting its eternal and unchangeable nature. The passage anchors this superiority in the divine oath declaring, “You are a priest forever,” emphasizing the permanence and reliability of Jesus’ role as our high priest. This oath serves as the bedrock for Jesus becoming the guarantor of a superior covenant, one founded on grace and truth, surpassing the limitations of the old covenant governed by the law. Through this lens, Jesus’ priesthood emerges as the cornerstone of a new and better covenant between God and humanity, offering a pathway to complete and eternal salvation for those who come to God through Him.
Psalm 110:4 prophesied of a priest in the order of Melchizedek who would reign forever, a prophecy fulfilled in Jesus, solidifying His eternal priesthood. Jeremiah 31:31-34 further illuminates this new covenant, where God inscribes His law on the hearts of His people, a covenant realized through Jesus’ priesthood and sacrificial offering. Romans 8:34 underscores the ongoing intercessory role of Jesus, who not only died and rose again but continues to intercede for believers, showcasing the dynamic and enduring nature of His priesthood.
In the context of contemporary relevance, Hebrews 7:20-28 offers believers assurance of salvation through Jesus’ unchanging priesthood, granting direct access to God without the need for an intermediary. In a world fraught with instability and uncertainty, Jesus’ eternal priesthood stands as a beacon of hope and stability, anchoring believers in the unshakable truth of His redemptive work. Consider a person grappling with feelings of unworthiness and distance from God; upon grasping the eternal priesthood of Jesus, their doubts dissipate, replaced by a profound sense of peace and assurance. This transformative realization empowers them to approach God boldly, secure in the knowledge of Jesus’ unwavering intercession and the promise of a better covenant.
Hebrews 7:20-28 beckons us to place our trust in the unchanging and all-sufficient work of Jesus for our salvation, urging us to live with confidence and hope. It calls us to embrace the reality of Jesus’ ongoing intercession on our behalf, securing a covenant far superior to the constraints of the law. As we reflect on the eternal priesthood of Jesus, may we find solace in His unchanging nature, drawing strength from His unwavering commitment to save and intercede for all who come to God through Him.
How can we approach God through a perfect high priest?
We can approach God through a perfect high priest because this high priest is without sin and has been exalted above the heavens. Unlike other high priests who had to offer sacrifices for their own sins first before offering for the sins of the people, Jesus, our perfect high priest, is holy, blameless, pure, and set apart from sinners. He has offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice for our sins once and for all, not needing to repeat the sacrifice like the former high priests. We can come boldly and confidently before the throne of grace by having a perfect high priest in Jesus. Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through Him, interceding on our behalf continuously. He not only sympathizes with our weaknesses but has also been tested in every way, without sin. This perfect high priest ensures that our prayers are heard, our sins are forgiven, and that we are able to approach the holy presence of God with assurance and faith.
Application
Embrace the eternal priesthood of Jesus Christ, who stands as your unwavering advocate in the eyes of God. Approach Him boldly, for He is ever near, ready to guide and support you. Let this truth empower you to hold onto faith, relying on His grace each day. Will you open your heart to His divine influence, letting Him shape you into a beacon of love and positivity for all around you?
Reverend Michael Johnson is an experienced Church Minister with a profound expertise in spirituality and guidance. With a serene presence and a compassionate heart, he has faithfully served his congregation for over 20 years, leading them on a spiritual journey towards inner peace and enlightenment. Reverend Johnson’s extensive knowledge of religious philosophies and profound understanding of human nature have made him a trusted confidant and mentor to many, as he seamlessly weaves his profound wisdom into life teachings. Reverend Johnson’s calming demeanor and empathetic nature continue to uplift and heal souls, nurturing a sense of unity and tranquility within his community.