Jesus is altogether better

This letter to a community of believers who are tempted to turn back to Judaism is a huge encouragement to us who also follow Jesus in a difficult world. It calls for us to look again at the benefits of a life with Jesus bring. It is simple, foundational and yet building your life on these truths are what brings you through this life to the next. Here are our next verses.

“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.” (Hebrews 8 v 3-6)

This author is truly pastoring carefully the community of believers building from one theme to another. We are heading to a fuller explanation of the powerful promises/new covenant we have in Jesus.

Jesus had to offer gifts and sacrifices just like the high priest. But of course not in the Temple for we have already seen that Jesus was from the tribe of Judah and not Levi. But the sanctuary of Jesus is that of heaven not earth. We are reminded that Jesus is altogether better.

Jesus ministry is better: the emphasis is not on the ability of man to come into relationship with God but that of Jesus. It is the ability of Jesus that far outweighs anything we could possibly do.

Jesus’ mediation is better: His blood is better than that of animals. His blood stands between God and man which is better than the sacrifice of animals which only was able to bring man before God. His blood brings God near.

Jesus’ promises are better: This is leading us to a fuller explanation in the passage to come but reveals something of what these promises are established on and that is we will find out are the unconditional grace of God.

So today be encouraged in these truths of Jesus:

His ability to deal with your sin.

His blood seals a better covenant of relationship with God.

His promises that carry us through this life.