Hebrews 8:1-2 is about Jesus Christ serving as the High Priest who ministers in the true tabernacle, which is in heaven and not made by human hands, emphasizing his role as the mediator between God and humanity.
Now the point in what we are saying is this: we have such a high priest, one who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,
2 a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man.
Setting the Scene for Hebrews 8:1-2
The scene in Hebrews chapter 8 is set in the heavenly sanctuary, where Jesus Christ is portrayed as the High Priest. The author of Hebrews describes how Jesus is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, serving as a minister in the holy places, which are a true tent set up by the Lord, not man.
In this heavenly sanctuary, Jesus is surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses, including Old Testament figures like Moses, Elijah, and the prophets. They have gathered to witness Jesus’ ministry as the ultimate High Priest, who offers a perfect sacrifice for the sins of humanity. The scene is filled with a sense of awe and reverence, as the heavenly beings worship and glorify the Son of God for his redemptive work on behalf of mankind.
As the author of Hebrews paints this vivid picture of the heavenly sanctuary, the readers are reminded of the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood over the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament. The heavenly scene serves as a powerful reminder of the fulfillment of God’s promises through Jesus Christ, who is the mediator of a better covenant based on better promises.
What is Hebrews 8:1-2 about?
This verse reminds us of the significance of Jesus as our High Priest in the true tabernacle, which is in the heavenly sanctuary. This serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual truth that Jesus is not just a historical figure, but a present and active mediator for us in the presence of God. The verse emphasizes Jesus’ role in interceding for us before God, granting us access to His grace and mercy by highlighting Him as our High Priest.
Think about it this way: just as a High Priest in the earthly tabernacle would offer sacrifices and prayers on behalf of the people, Jesus fulfills this role perfectly and eternally in the heavenly sanctuary. Through his sacrificial death and resurrection, Jesus has made a way for us to approach God with confidence and assurance. He, as our High Priest, understands our weaknesses and advocates for us before God. This verse reassures us of Jesus’ ongoing work on our behalf and encourages us to have faith in his intercession for our salvation and spiritual well-being.
Understanding what Hebrews 8:1-2 really means
Hebrews 8:1-2 stands as a crucial juncture in the Book of Hebrews, consolidating previous arguments and introducing the pivotal concept of Jesus as the ultimate high priest. This passage underscores the supremacy of Jesus’ priesthood and the new covenant He mediates, emphasizing His divine and eternal nature. The phrase “We have such a high priest” highlights the unparalleled uniqueness of Jesus’ priesthood compared to the Levitical priests of old. Jesus, who “sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,” signifies His completed atoning work and exalted position of authority and honor.
Moreover, the mention of Jesus as the one who “ministers in the sanctuary and the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being” accentuates the heavenly and divine aspect of His ministry, contrasting it with the earthly and temporary tabernacle of the Old Testament. Connecting this to other biblical passages, Hebrews 4:14-16 portrays Jesus as the compassionate high priest who understands our weaknesses and invites us to approach God’s throne with confidence. Exodus 25:8-9 describes the earthly tabernacle as a shadow of the true heavenly sanctuary alluded to in Hebrews 8:2, while Psalm 110:1 prophesies the Messiah’s exalted position at God’s right hand, a role fulfilled in Jesus.
The relevance of Jesus as our high priest today is profound, offering assurance of His continuous intercession and advocacy on our behalf. In a world fraught with uncertainties, the knowledge that Jesus is seated at God’s right hand instills believers with hope and confidence. The concept of a “true tabernacle” reminds us that our faith is anchored in something eternal and divine, not in transient or human-made structures. To illustrate this, envision a courtroom scenario where you face overwhelming evidence and a grim outcome until a renowned and compassionate lawyer, Jesus, steps in to represent you. His impeccable record and personal relationship with the judge secure mercy and grace for you, mirroring Jesus’ role as our high priest who intercedes for us in the heavenly sanctuary.
In conclusion, Hebrews 8:1-2 encapsulates the essence of Jesus’ superior priesthood and His ministry in the heavenly sanctuary. These verses urge us to place our trust in Jesus’ finished work and ongoing intercession, offering hope and confidence in our spiritual journey.
Where is the true sanctuary of God located?
The true sanctuary of God is located in heaven, as indicated by the verse’s mention of Jesus, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven. Jesus serves as a minister in the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not a sanctuary made by human hands on earth. This signifies the exalted position of Jesus and the eternal nature of the sanctuary in heaven, contrasting it with the earthly sanctuaries of the Old Testament.
This verse emphasizes the heavenly realm as the ultimate and true sanctuary of God, highlighting the superiority of Jesus’ ministry in the heavenly tabernacle compared to the earthly sanctuary practices. The verse points to the symbolic and temporary nature of the earthly sanctuaries, which were mere shadows of the heavenly reality. Through Jesus’ ministry in the heavenly sanctuary, believers have access to the true presence of God and eternal redemption, demonstrating the significance of looking beyond earthly structures to the spiritual reality in heaven.
Application
Tap into the power of Jesus as the ultimate bridge connecting you to the divine. Just as a reliable coworker or a trusted family member supports you through challenges, turn to Jesus as your intercessor for spiritual guidance. Are you ready to invite His presence into your life, steering your path towards enlightenment and peace?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.