Monday 16 October 2023
- Bible Book:
- Hebrews
Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God. (v. 14)
Background
The theme for this week's Word in Time study is 'The Eternal Priest'. It appealed to me because I was a 'Priest' before I got married. In fact, I was born a Priest! My maiden name was Priest and our family used to be known as the Methodist Priests.
I currently serve in a local ecumenical partnership and am often referred to as 'the priest from St Thomas’. I usually introduce myself as the minister because that is our normal Methodist terminology. However, I frequently find myself reflecting on what it means to be a priest. I am also intrigued by the many references to Jesus as priest in the letter to the Hebrews.
Today’s reading describes Jesus not just as a priest but as “a great high priest” (v. 14). The High Priest was the senior Jewish religious leader and had oversight of the Temple in Jerusalem. The gospel narrative tells us that Jesus was taken to the High Priest after his arrest in the garden of Gethsemane (Luke 22:54).
Once a year, it was the duty and privilege of the High Priest to enter the inner sanctum of the Temple and sprinkle the blood from an animal sacrifice to atone for his own sins and the sins of all the people.
One way of understanding the crucifixion is to say that atonement is now possible through the blood and sacrifice of Jesus. The role of the High Priest is no longer needed because Jesus himself is our great high priest.
We can therefore “approach the throne of grace with boldness” (v.16) because Jesus has been tempted as we are and understands that resisting sin is not easy.
This passage teaches me that priestly ministry requires an intimate knowledge both of God’s grace and of human weakness.
To Ponder:
- What qualities do senior religious leaders need today?
- How does the thought of approaching the throne of grace make you feel?
- When have you needed someone who could sympathise with your weaknesses?
- Spend some time looking at this painting: 'Christ before the high priest' by Gerrit van Honthorst (National Gallery).