Jesus Is…, 35

~ Jesus Christ Is Our High Priest ~

Passage  ~  “Holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, as Moses also was faithful in all His house.  For this One has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses, inasmuch as He who built the house has more honor than the house.  For every house is built by someone, but He who built all things is God.  And Moses indeed was faithful in all His house as a servant, for a testimony of those things which would be spoken afterward, but Christ as a Son over His own house, whose house we are if we hold fast the confidence and the rejoicing of the hope firm to the end” (Hebrews 3:1-6).

Significance  ~  The chief distinguishing aspect of high priests (and Levites) was their holiness.  They were set apart or sanctified for God’s work.  While the distinction between priests and people had to be clearly maintained in order that God's utter holiness be recognized, similarities between priests and laity bring attention to the fact that all Israelites were priests in certain respects. Though they did not minister in the tabernacle or temple, they were priests in the land as a whole.

Comment  ~  The distinction between priests and people was clearly maintained in order to that the holiness of God could be recognized.  However, it is interesting to note that in some senses all Israelites were priests.  Rather than minister in either the temple or the tabernacle they were priests in the everyday world. 

There is a clear parallel for Christians today.  “You are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy” (1 Peter 2:9-10).

the key question:  “Who do you say that I am?” (Matthew 16:15).  This is the most important question you will ever answer.  If you do not answer it, or answer it incorrectly, you have made the biggest mistake anyone can make!

~ Robert Lloyd Russell, ABUNDANT LIFE NOW

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