Christian Hub
1 year ago
The Reality of Christmas: Jesus as Our High Priest
Christmas is a time of celebration and joy for Christians around the world. It marks the birth of Jesus Christ, the Son of God, who came to earth to save humanity from sin and reconcile them to God. But Christmas is more than just a historical event; it is a profound and powerful reality that continues to impact our lives today.
In the book of Hebrews, the author emphasizes the significance of Jesus as our high priest. He writes, "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, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man" (Hebrews 8:1–2). This passage highlights the superiority of Jesus as our high priest compared to the priests of the Old Testament.
In the Old Testament, the priests served in a tabernacle, a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. The tabernacle was a physical structure made by human hands, subject to wear and tear. It was a temporary dwelling place for God's presence among His people. However, Jesus ministers in the true tent, the heavenly sanctuary that surpasses any earthly representation. His ministry is not limited by time or space; He is seated at the right hand of God, in the presence of the Majesty in heaven.
The author of Hebrews refers to the instructions given to Moses when he was about to erect the tabernacle. God commanded Moses to make everything according to the pattern that was shown to him on the mountain (Hebrews 8:5). This pattern was a glimpse of the heavenly reality that Jesus now fulfills. Just as Moses followed the divine blueprint for the tabernacle, so Jesus perfectly fulfills the role of our high priest according to God's plan.
Jesus' position as our high priest is unique and unparalleled. He is not an ordinary, weak, sinful, or dying priest. He is the Son of God, sinless and with an indestructible life. Unlike the priests of the Old Testament who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice once and for all. His sacrifice is eternally effective, providing forgiveness and reconciliation for all who trust in Him.
Furthermore, Jesus' ministry is not confined to a physical tabernacle or temple. He ministers in the heavenly places, where He intercedes for us and represents us before God the Father. The earthly tabernacle and temple were mere copies and shadows of the heavenly reality. They foreshadowed the ultimate reality of God and His Son interacting in love, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth for the salvation of His people.
The imagery of the high priest ministering in the holy places reminds us of the significance of Jesus' work on our behalf. Just as the high priest entered the holy of holies once a year to make atonement for the sins of the people, Jesus entered into the heavenly holy of holies, not with the blood of animals, but with His own precious blood. He made atonement for our sins, cleansing us and making us right with God.
The fact that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven speaks of His exalted position and authority. He is not just a servant or a messenger; He is the Son, equal with God, sharing in the divine glory. He is loved, respected, and honored infinitely by God. His place at the right hand of God signifies His victory over sin and death and His authority to rule over all creation.
As we reflect on the reality of Christmas, let us remember that it is not merely a sentimental holiday or a historical event. It is a profound reality that continues to impact our lives today. Jesus, our high priest, is ministering for us in the heavenly places. He intercedes for us, prays for us, and represents us before God. He has made a way for us to be reconciled to God and to experience His love, forgiveness, and eternal life.
The reality of Christmas is not limited to a specific time of year. It is a daily reality that we can experience and embrace in our lives. Jesus is not distant or detached; He is present with us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us. He invites us to come boldly to the throne of grace, where we can find mercy and grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Let us rejoice in the reality of Christmas and the significance of Jesus as our high priest. Let us trust in Him, rely on His sacrifice, and follow His example of love, humility, and obedience. And let us continually draw near to God, knowing that we have a high priest who understands our weaknesses and sympathizes with our struggles.
In conclusion, the reality of Christmas is the reality of Jesus as our high priest, ministering for us in the heavenly places. It is the reality of His perfect sacrifice, His exalted position, and His ongoing intercession for us. It is a reality that transforms our lives, giving us hope, peace, and joy. May we embrace this reality and live in the light of His presence and grace.
In the book of Hebrews, the author emphasizes the significance of Jesus as our high priest. He writes, "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, a minister in the holy places, in the true tent that the Lord set up, not man" (Hebrews 8:1–2). This passage highlights the superiority of Jesus as our high priest compared to the priests of the Old Testament.
In the Old Testament, the priests served in a tabernacle, a copy and shadow of the heavenly things. The tabernacle was a physical structure made by human hands, subject to wear and tear. It was a temporary dwelling place for God's presence among His people. However, Jesus ministers in the true tent, the heavenly sanctuary that surpasses any earthly representation. His ministry is not limited by time or space; He is seated at the right hand of God, in the presence of the Majesty in heaven.
The author of Hebrews refers to the instructions given to Moses when he was about to erect the tabernacle. God commanded Moses to make everything according to the pattern that was shown to him on the mountain (Hebrews 8:5). This pattern was a glimpse of the heavenly reality that Jesus now fulfills. Just as Moses followed the divine blueprint for the tabernacle, so Jesus perfectly fulfills the role of our high priest according to God's plan.
Jesus' position as our high priest is unique and unparalleled. He is not an ordinary, weak, sinful, or dying priest. He is the Son of God, sinless and with an indestructible life. Unlike the priests of the Old Testament who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice once and for all. His sacrifice is eternally effective, providing forgiveness and reconciliation for all who trust in Him.
Furthermore, Jesus' ministry is not confined to a physical tabernacle or temple. He ministers in the heavenly places, where He intercedes for us and represents us before God the Father. The earthly tabernacle and temple were mere copies and shadows of the heavenly reality. They foreshadowed the ultimate reality of God and His Son interacting in love, holiness, justice, goodness, and truth for the salvation of His people.
The imagery of the high priest ministering in the holy places reminds us of the significance of Jesus' work on our behalf. Just as the high priest entered the holy of holies once a year to make atonement for the sins of the people, Jesus entered into the heavenly holy of holies, not with the blood of animals, but with His own precious blood. He made atonement for our sins, cleansing us and making us right with God.
The fact that Jesus is seated at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven speaks of His exalted position and authority. He is not just a servant or a messenger; He is the Son, equal with God, sharing in the divine glory. He is loved, respected, and honored infinitely by God. His place at the right hand of God signifies His victory over sin and death and His authority to rule over all creation.
As we reflect on the reality of Christmas, let us remember that it is not merely a sentimental holiday or a historical event. It is a profound reality that continues to impact our lives today. Jesus, our high priest, is ministering for us in the heavenly places. He intercedes for us, prays for us, and represents us before God. He has made a way for us to be reconciled to God and to experience His love, forgiveness, and eternal life.
The reality of Christmas is not limited to a specific time of year. It is a daily reality that we can experience and embrace in our lives. Jesus is not distant or detached; He is present with us, guiding, comforting, and empowering us. He invites us to come boldly to the throne of grace, where we can find mercy and grace to help us in our time of need (Hebrews 4:16).
Let us rejoice in the reality of Christmas and the significance of Jesus as our high priest. Let us trust in Him, rely on His sacrifice, and follow His example of love, humility, and obedience. And let us continually draw near to God, knowing that we have a high priest who understands our weaknesses and sympathizes with our struggles.
In conclusion, the reality of Christmas is the reality of Jesus as our high priest, ministering for us in the heavenly places. It is the reality of His perfect sacrifice, His exalted position, and His ongoing intercession for us. It is a reality that transforms our lives, giving us hope, peace, and joy. May we embrace this reality and live in the light of His presence and grace.
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