TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 2:5-9
But we see Jesus, who was made a little lower than the angels, now crowned with glory and honor. - Hebrews 2:9
TODAY IN THE WORD
God created humanity to have dominion over His world (Gen. 1:27-30). Psalm 8 celebrates this wonderful role that God designed for human beings exclaiming, “What is man that you are mindful of him? . . . You made him ruler over the works of your hands, you put everything under his feet” (Ps. 8:4-6).

The author of Hebrews reminds us of the results of the Fall–humanity does not yet have full dominion over God’s creation (cf. Gen. 3:17-19). Something is still amiss in God’s world, for “at present we do not see all things subject to him” (Heb. 2:. We do, however, see Jesus now seated at God’s right hand and crowned with glory and honor (Heb. 1:3). The writer points out that Jesus is worthy of being God’s Messiah, His “right-hand man,” precisely because He was fully human. Jesus is a second Adam for whom and through whom the curse of the Fall has been reversed (cf. Rom. 5:12-21).

We saw earlier that it would be wrong to think of Jesus as some angelic being. He is far superior to the angels, just as God the Father is because He, like the Father, is eternal. He is God and stands outside of the created order to which even the angels belong. But it’s equally important that we not deny the full humanity of Jesus. God didn’t promise the coming world–the redeemed, recreated world–to the angels but to humanity (Heb. 2:5). In Jesus, the fullness of the promises given in Genesis has become a reality. We do see a human being who has dominion over all creation.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Truly we serve and worship a great Lord, the Lord of all! Why not take a few minutes today to sing a hymn of praise to Jesus?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 2:10-18
Because he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are being tempted. - Hebrews 2:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
Shared experiences can help solidify friendships. We have all heard stories about soldiers who became fast friends because they went through the ordeal of combat together. That common experience of suffering gives the soldiers an understanding of one another that other people simply cannot fully share or appreciate.

Our text in Hebrews says that Jesus knows from His own experience the suffering and temptation we face in this fallen world. Yesterday we saw that the humanity of Christ qualified Him to be God’s Messiah; today we’ll see that the humanity of Christ qualifies Him to be “a merciful and faithful high priest” who makes atonement for God’s people (v. 17).

We must first ask what the passage means when it states that God had to make Jesus perfect through suffering (v. 10). Does this mean that Jesus was sinful? It can’t mean this, for Hebrews clearly affirms Jesus’ moral perfection, calling Him the one who “was without sin” (4:15) and “the one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners” (7:26). What then does this strange comment mean?

The key lies in the relationship that Jesus shares with us as human beings. Jesus became one of us (2:14). Verse 11 describes Jesus as being “of the same family” as those who are being redeemed. Verses 11–12 and 17 call human beings the siblings of Jesus.

Jesus was “made perfect” by God through His experience of suffering and temptation (v. 18) and even death (v. 14). In other words, “perfection” here means something like being made “completely” human, or as our writer says “made like his brothers in every way” (v. 17).

In no way did Jesus experience suffering and death differently than we do. Because Jesus experienced life in this fallen world, though without giving in to temptation, He is perfectly qualified to help us when we face temptation.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Unlike Jesus, we all fall prey to temptation. We all have sinned (Rom. 3:23). The Devil wants to use our fear and guilt to drive us away from God. How could God possibly forgive us? Why should we even try to go to God and repent?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 3:1-6
Jesus has been found worthy of greater honor than Moses. - Hebrews 3:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
There’s no doubt that among God’s old covenant servants Moses is one of the greatest. God used Moses to confront Pharaoh, bring plagues on Egypt, and ultimately obtain the release of the Jewish people from captivity. It was Moses to whom the Law was given, with whom God spoke as with a friend, and who was allowed to see part of God’s glory (Ex. 33:11–23). In fact, God describes Moses as “ a faithful servant in all my house” (Num. 12:7). Based on all of this, an ancient Jewish rabbi is reputed to have said, “God calls Moses 'faithful in all His house,’ and thereby he ranked higher than the ministering angels themselves.”

Yet as great as Moses is, Jesus is superior. The images our author uses here are particularly striking. A house may be magnificent, but it’s not greater than the one who designed and built it. In the same way, a servant in a household may be a great asset. He may even run much of the daily life of the household. But he’s not greater than the son or heir who presides over the household.

These comparisons illustrate an important element in the thinking of the writer of this letter. What has come before is not bad and is not to be denigrated. In fact, what has come before has played a significant role in God’s revelation of Himself and His salvation. Moses testified “to what would be said in the future” (Heb. 3:5). Nevertheless, the coming of Jesus marks the coming of one who is much greater.

This is an important point, since Christians can sometimes feel like they have little need to read and study the Old Testament. Yet here in Hebrews, one of the New Testament books that most clearly proclaims the superiority of Jesus to what has come before, the Old Testament is constantly quoted. Those who have come before deserve our respect and admiration, and in Jesus we have the great privilege of listening to the one toward whom all of them were pointing (cf. 1 Peter 1:10–12).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As part of your devotional time today, take a few moments to read one of your favorite Old Testament stories about Moses. Try to think specifically about how what you see concerning Moses in that story can be compared and contrasted with Jesus. When you are done, thank God for His faithful servant Moses and any lessons you might learn from reading about him, but thank God even more for speaking to us today through His Son.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 3:7-19
We have come to share in Christ if we hold firmly till the end the confidence we had at first. - Hebrews 3:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Listening to one side of a telephone conversation can often present a challenging puzzle. We’re forced to use the clues from one side of the conversation to guess what the unheard speaker has said. Reading some New Testament epistles is sometimes like this. Since we have before us one side of a conversation between the writer and the original recipients of the letter, we must research and study to understand what situation or questions prompted this written response.

Our passage today gives us a significant clue about issues these Hebrew believers were facing. As we have already seen and will continue to see, Hebrews contains several discussions comparing and contrasting Jesus with the institutions and figures of the old covenant. This leads many biblical scholars to conclude that these early Christians actually considered denying their faith in Jesus and leaving their church, probably to return to their pre-Christian Jewish faith.

In light of this context, we can easily see one of the primary reasons why Hebrews places so much emphasis on the superiority of Jesus–the author wants to encourage his fellow Christians to persevere in their faith and worship of Jesus. He wants to keep them from turning away from Him and denying their salvation.

Yet, before we can fully grasp this point, we must realize that Hebrews speaks of salvation in future terms, even defining it as obtaining the coming eternal inheritance that God has promised to His people (cf. 1:14, 9:28, 13:14). This is why the theme of perseverance recurs so often in this letter.

Perseverance is the means by which we actually obtain our promised inheritance of salvation. We are to learn from the example of those who refused to enter the Promised Land and thus did not obtain their inheritance (cf. Num. 13:26–14:24). Hebrews challenges us never to part with Christ, and if we hold fast to Him we will enter God’s promised eternal inheritance. We show that we truly share in Christ (Heb. 3:14, cf. 3:6) if we continue to hold fast to our faith in Him.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The old saying “Practice makes perfect” fits particularly well with the message of the book of Hebrews. Perseverance requires, by definition, the constant practice of our faith. Through the centuries Christians have recognized the value of spiritual disciplines as means of preparation for spiritual perseverance.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 4:1-13
Let us make every effort to enter that rest, so that no one will fall by following their example of disobedience. - Hebrews 4:11
TODAY IN THE WORD
People who hunt down scholarship money for college students report that hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships go unclaimed every year. The reluctance of students to research and pursue all available scholarships is a big reason why. For some potential students, the effort to apply for every scholarship opportunity seems more than the award may be worth. Sometimes God’s people share a similar outlook toward God’s promises.

One such time occurred shortly after Israel had escaped from Egypt into the region that came to be known as Kadesh Barnea (cf. Num. 13–14, 32:6–15). Israel camped here while twelve spies scouted out this land that God had promised to them. With the exception of Joshua and Caleb, the spies were convinced that Israel could not conquer the inhabitants of the land. As a result of this report the people refused to believe that God would do what He had promised. God punished the people by not allowing them to enter the Promised Land.

Hebrews uses this negative example to encourage us not to give up on Jesus and the promised salvation we have through Him. The stakes are even higher for us today than for the Israelites at Kadesh Barnea! The generation of disobedient Israelites whom Moses was leading lost their opportunity to inherit the land of Canaan. Today we who are led by Christ stand to inherit the eternal rest that God has enjoyed since He finished His work of creation (Heb. 4:3–9).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Make a list today of all the things in your life that you consider worthy of great effort to maintain or to achieve. Next, think about the work that you have done and will continue to do in order to keep these things you value. After you have done this exercise, take a few moments to consider how your efforts in these areas can provide analogies for you in your spiritual walk. God’s eternal rest in the world to come has far more value than anything we can attain here.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 4:14-16
Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy. - Hebrews 4:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
Due to skyrocketing legal fees, more and more corporations–and even individuals–are willing to consider settling their disputes through arbitration rather than court. This process uses a mediator to negotiate a binding settlement on both parties. What makes a good mediator? It should be someone who knows and understands both sides as well as the issue causing the problem.

This is a good bit like our position as we stand before God due to our sin. The situation has reached an impasse. Nothing we can say or do can satisfy God. In fact, because of our sin, we cannot even approach Him. One person, however, can do something about it–our High Priest, Jesus Christ.

In the book of Hebrews, the primary function of the “high priest” is to act as a mediator. That is, the high priest goes between God and humanity. As we have already seen, Jesus is no ordinary high priest. He is the high priest who is both eternal God and fully human. He understands both sides of the issue. Moreover, He has done what no high priest before Him has: “gone through the heavens” into the very presence of God Himself (v. 14).

We may wonder why this is so important. Verses 15–16 give the reason: Jesus understands what it’s like to face temptation. In the context of this letter, the specific challenge addressed here is the temptation to leave Jesus and the community of those who believe in Him. Some of these Hebrew Christians were tempted to stop persevering in the Christian faith. Hebrews assures us that such a temptation is understood by our Jesus, our mediator. He is able to sympathize with us and will give us mercy and grace in our time of need.

Hebrews gives this exhortation: in time of temptation do not stay away from Jesus, rather run to Him! He will not cast us away–He will help us in our time of need.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
If you are struggling with a particular temptation today, listen to the good news of this passage–Jesus “has been tempted in every way, just as we are” (v. 15). The one seated at the right hand of the Father (1:4) understands your struggle and will intercede for you. You can approach the eternal throne boldly and with great confidence in your time of need. Go to Him in prayer even now and, thanks be to God, receive His mercy!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 5:1-10
Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, “You are my Son.” - Hebrews 5:5
TODAY IN THE WORD
Recently a prominent university professor lost his job when the college administration discovered that he had consistently lied about his credentials, especially his record of military service in the Vietnam conflict. He had not, in fact, even served in the military, much less been decorated with medals. He claimed honors for himself that he had no right to claim. Our passage today wants us to understand that the role of high priest has never been open to anyone based on their own claims to be an adequate mediator between God and humanity. Instead, one may hold this position only by God’s call.

This is important for us to grasp if we’re going to have proper confidence to go to Jesus as our intercessor before God (vv. 15-16). We may think Jesus’ qualifications to serve are self-evident; but from the standpoint of the Mosaic Law, Jesus isn’t qualified because He wasn’t from the tribe of Levi (cf. Heb. 7:14, Num. 18:5-8). Hebrews reminds us that ultimately God’s call really makes one a high priest. God has the right to appoint whomever He desires as high priest.

As we have seen before, Hebrews doesn’t simply dismiss the Old Testament. Rather, this book is filled with quotations from the Old Testament, demonstrating that the Old Testament itself looks forward to the time when God would bring something new. God has not, in appointing Jesus as high priest, reversed Himself. We find in the Old Testament itself that God would appoint His Son as a priest in the order of Melchizedek (Heb. 5:5-6). Jesus is truly qualified to serve as our high priest–not because of His lineage, but because of God’s call.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Aren’t you glad that Jesus is our great high priest, and that He always intercedes for us before the Father? Take time today in prayer to thank Him for suffering on our behalf. Also, thank the Father for appointing Jesus as our eternal high priest, and thank the Holy Spirit for revealing this to us in Scripture. Then pick a song of praise to sing to Jesus such as “Crown Him with Many Crowns” or “Before the Throne,” and go forth with joy to serve Him today!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 5:11-6:3
Therefore let us leave the elementary teachings about Christ and go on to maturity. - Hebrews 6:1
TODAY IN THE WORD
Shane, a sophomore in high school, discovered the importance of a good academic foundation when he took geometry. Although he liked the course, he struggled to do well. As a freshman he had studied algebra, a subject he didn’t like and therefore didn’t work to learn. Since certain basic algebraic concepts reappear in geometry, he wasn’t equipped to succeed despite liking the class. In general, in order to advance in our knowledge of any subject we must build upon the things we already know. This same principle certainly applies to our spiritual growth.

As we saw earlier in our study, Hebrews was written to Christians who considered turning away from Jesus. The verses we read today give us another clue into what might be causing this spiritual drift–their failure to grow from the basics of Christian belief into a mature faith.

Apparently these Christians had been believers long enough that they should have been ready to teach others about the faith (v. 12). Yet, they were still immature; that is, they were slow to learn (v. 11). In light of the discussion in Hebrews 3:7-4:13, “slow to learn” means that they were slow to obey God’s Word.

In addition, they hadn’t sufficiently understood the basics of the faith or the implications of those foundational tenets (Heb. 5:12-13). As a result, they were not prepared for advanced teaching about things like the high priesthood of Jesus. Nor were they equipped to discern properly between what was good and what was evil (v. 14). This spiritual immaturity left them vulnerable to a deadly spiritual drift.

Growing in maturity means moving beyond the basics of the faith (6:1-3). Practically this means not only growing in our understanding of Christian doctrine, but also becoming quick to obey God’s Word. In other words, if we want to grow in our faith, we must not simply study Scripture but also respond to it (cf. James 1:22-25). We must, by constant use of God’s Word, train ourselves to distinguish between good and evil.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In our hectic lives we often fail to spend time taking stock of our spiritual health. Today would be a good day to check your spiritual pulse. Try to identify one area of your spiritual life that you think needs more development. Think about one practical step you can take to grow in that area. Perhaps you know of a Bible study or Sunday school class that you can attend at your church. Your pastor would also be happy to point out good books you can read. Whatever you decide, don’t allow spiritual drift to go unchecked!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 6:4-12
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised. -
TODAY IN THE WORD
You can usually tell when motorists spot a police officer enforcing the speed limit–all the cars ahead of you apply their brakes and slow down. Sometimes fear of consequences like a speeding ticket can be a powerful motivator to do the right thing. We may think that Christians shouldn’t be motivated by fear, but at times we can grow so lazy in our spiritual walk that only a good dose of the fear of the Lord can rouse us from our near comatose state.

In the case of these Christians to whom Hebrews was originally written, the temptation was to turn away from Jesus and their church and return to worship in the synagogues and observance of the Mosaic Law. They knew the basics of the Christian faith, but instead of making progress in their commitment to Jesus, they were in danger of moving backwards and falling away.

In order to awaken them from their lethargic and lackadaisical mood with respect to Jesus, the author emphasizes the radical break implied by leaving Jesus. Those who know what has been promised in Christ, who have seen the glory of Jesus and His superiority to all that has come before, and yet turn away from Him demonstrate that they never really shared in Christ (Heb. 3:6, 14; cf. 1 John 2:19).

We may well ask, then, how we really know that we share in Christ? We know we share in Christ by persevering in the faith. We “make our hope sure” by remaining committed to Jesus (Heb. 6:11). This is the central message of the book of Hebrews–stick with Jesus!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We all face times in our Christian life when our only appropriate response to God’s Word is repentance. Perhaps as you read this passage today you felt the Holy Spirit convicting you and calling you back to Christ. Remember that Jesus understands our weakness (Heb. 4:15). We can approach Him boldly (Heb. 4:16). Why not return to Him today and be reunited with His people? Our Lord is full of grace and mercy and our Father rejoices when the prodigal returns.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 6:13-20
And so after waiting patiently, Abraham received what was promised. - Hebrews 6:15
TODAY IN THE WORD
Folk wisdom tells us, “Good things come to those who wait.” That may be true, although we tend to think of “waiting” and “patience” as very passive virtues–if we just sit around long enough and don’t try to push life along, good things will happen. According to our passage today, it would be a mistake to interpret the example of Abraham that way.

In the context of Hebrews, and particularly in light of the verses we’ve studied the past two days, we know that Hebrews doesn’t favor a passive approach to Christianity. Hebrews calls us to be active Christians, to grow in the faith so that we will stick with Jesus. We need to keep this in mind in order to understand why the author uses Abraham as an example of someone who wasn’t lazy and who ought to be imitated (v. 12).

Abraham’s “waiting patiently” here does not imply that he passively sat around waiting for God to do what He had promised; rather, it describes a man who believed, in spite of the odds, that God would make good on His word (v. 15). In other words, Abraham persisted in his belief that God would do what He said He would do. Abraham provides us with an Old Testament model of what it means to persevere in our faith in God’s promises.

We can persevere in faith because we know who made the promise–none other than God Himself (v. 13). The writer is just about to take us back into the rich depths of the Old Testament and teach us more about the greatness of Jesus’ high priestly position (v. 20). However, before he does, he reminds us that our God cannot lie (v. 18). When He makes a promise, He brings to pass what He has promised.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We all need reminding of our hope in Christ Jesus. Take some time to read the following passages of Scripture: Romans 8:12-27; 1 Corinthians 15:20-23, 50-58; Ephesians 2:11-22; and Revelation 21. As you read, jot down the promises in those verses that we know we have or will one day receive. This is far from an exhaustive list, and you may think of other passages to look at, but once you are done, take your list and thank God for each promise that He has made to us.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 7:1-10
Without doubt the lesser person is blessed by the greater. - Hebrews 7:7
TODAY IN THE WORD
Few Old Testament figures are more mysterious than Melchizedek, the “king of Salem and priest of God Most High” (v. 1). Melchizedek only appears twice in the entire Old Testament, once in Genesis 14:18–20 and again in Psalm 110:4. Yet, these brief comments contain some amazing statements. Our text in Hebrews today not only draws our attention to this ancient and enigmatic figure, it also takes the time to help us see why he is so important.

Just prior to his meeting with Melchizedek, Abraham (still called Abram at that time) had fought a battle in order to rescue his nephew Lot who had been taken captive when a band of kings raided his hometown of Sodom. Abraham was successful, even rescuing several other people. In addition, he recovered all the goods that the conquering kings had stolen. Melchizedek came out to meet him when he returned the people and their possessions to Sodom (Gen. 14:11-18).

Earlier we saw the exalted place Moses had among God’s Old Testament servants. Abraham, too, was a great and highly regarded figure who was called God’s “beloved” or “friend” (cf. 2 Chron. 20:7, James 2:23). However, an amazing thing

happens in the account of this meeting between Melchizedek and Abraham. Not only does Melchizedek bless Abraham, Abraham also gives Melchizedek a tenth (or a tithe) from all the plunder!

Our writer points these details out in order to show that Melchizedek was a greater priest than anyone from the line of Levi (Heb. 7:4-10). Abraham tithed to Melchizedek long before Aaron and Levi were even born. Therefore, Melchi-zedek represents a priestly line that’s far superior to the one established by the Mosaic Law. Indeed, even in the time of David--long after the establishment of the Mosaic Law--the priestly order represented by Melchizedek was understood as something distinct and everlasting (Ps. 110:4).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The story of Melchizedek is difficult to understand, as even the writer of Hebrews acknowledges!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 7:11-28
He is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them. - Hebrews 7:25
TODAY IN THE WORD
Should both the President and Vice President of the United States die or become disabled so that they could no longer serve as President, the Constitution allows for the position and authority of the Presidency to be conferred on another official (later law designates the Speaker of the House). Article Two of the Constitution states that this emergency measure is temporary, lasting only “until the Disability be removed, or a President shall be elected.” The temporary provision is superseded once the superior government official is elected or returns to office. In our text today, Hebrews argues for a similar kind of succession concerning the position of the priestly mediator before God.

Hebrews shows us that while the priests in Aaron’s order were serving, God had already hinted in the Old Testament that an even greater priest would one day come (vv. 11-12). This is why the priestly order of Melchizedek that we examined yesterday is so important–it exists before Aaron and will be held by Someone who lives eternally, unlike Aaron’s descendants who succumbed to death (vv. 18, 23-24, 27-28).

In fact, sin and the curse of death, that great power wielded by the Devil, are the real problems (2:14). While the priests in Aaron’s order dealt with sin temporarily, they weren’t able to deal with it permanently. They themselves were sinners and prisoners of death.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Though Easter was less than two months ago, we may have already forgotten our celebration of the resurrection of Jesus.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 8:1-13
By calling this covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete. - Hebrews 8:13
TODAY IN THE WORD
Henry Ford made the automobile easy to build and relatively affordable. With this mode of transportation suddenly available to so many people, the days of the horse and buggy were numbered. Old forms of transportation simply couldn’t compete with the automobile. With the advent of Ford’s Model T, a new age had dawned.

With the advent of Jesus, a new age dawned for the history of creation. In Jesus, the world has a superior mediator of a new, superior covenant, one in which the sins of God’s people have been dealt with once and for all.

In case we missed it, the writer of Hebrews uses these verses to drive home his point that in Jesus we have an eternal high priest who ministers in the presence of God (vv. 1–2). He also takes some time in this passage to work out the implications of having such a great high priest. Specifically, the advent of the eternal high priest in the priestly order of Melchizedek implies the advent of a new law or covenant (vv. 6, 13).

This is not to say that the practices and institutions of the old covenant were bad or even unrelated to those of the new covenant. Rather, the old institutions foreshadowed the eternal, heavenly realities (v. 5). They played a key role in God’s plan to redeem His creation. But in the coming of God’s Son, a way has been opened into these actual eternal realities. We don’t have to settle for old copies when we can look forward to the full reality. As great as Moses was, something better has come with Jesus.

The significance of this change could not be greater. This shift from one priestly line to another and from the old covenant to the new is a shift from the model or copy to the reality. It is the shift from the old order, which while glorious and good was insufficient to deal adequately and completely with the problem of our sin.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Amen is a Hebrew expression used to affirm that something is reliable or true. As you confidently approach God’s throne in prayer today, speak the “amen” to Him. Let Him know that you agree that His ways are good, reliable, and true.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 9:1-10
The Holy Spirit was showing by this that the way into the Most Holy Place had not yet been disclosed. - Hebrews 9:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
This past spring a group of passengers bound for Los Angeles from the east coast sat aboard an airplane waiting for take off. After a long delay the pilot announced that there was a maintenance problem–the ground crew could not get the cargo door to seal properly. He told them that the mechanics had sent some digital pictures of the door to the airlines experts. But as good as the pictures were, the experts still couldn’t solve the problem. They needed to be there to see the real thing in order to fix it. The flight was cancelled, leaving the passengers to scramble for alternative flights.

Pictures are wonderful things, but ultimately they are not adequate substitutes for the objects they represent. Hebrews 9:1–10 makes a similar point. As great as the earthly tabernacle was, its ultimate purpose was only to represent or point toward something far greater.

We ought to spend more time studying the details of the plan of the tabernacle, for we can see from the author of Hebrews that they contain many lessons for us today (v. 5). The one lesson that Hebrews spends the time to teach us concerns the annual entry of the high priest into the Most Holy Place (cf. Lev. 16:1–34). We learn from the rituals of the high priest and from the veils that kept the Most Holy Place out of sight from all but the high priest that the presence of God was closed to sinful people (Heb. 9:. This separation continues between God and humanity because the sacrifices aren’t able to cleanse the consciences of the worshipers. That is, they only dealt with the problem of sin at an external level (vv. 9-10).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Our understanding of the book of Hebrews, along with much of the rest of the New Testament, would be greatly enhanced by studying the Old Testament sacrificial system.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Hebrews 9:11-14
He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, having obtained eternal redemption. - Hebrews 9:12
TODAY IN THE WORD
In some places it is still customary to take care of the grave plots of deceased relatives, often called “graveyard workings.” Once a year family members will travel to the family plot and tidy the area. Headstones are cleaned. Weeds are pulled and new flowers are planted. American flags are set in place for veterans. Yet, no matter how neat and tidy the plot is, it doesn’t change the fact that the grave contains decay. The outside of the grave can be cleaned, but not the inside.

Similarly, Hebrews argues that the sacrifices of the Mosaic Law only cleansed the people externally, whereas the superior sacrifice of Jesus brings inner transformation.

Thus far in Hebrews we have seen that Jesus serves as high priest in a priestly order superior to that of Aaron. We have also seen that He mediates a better covenant than the one mediated by the Levitical priesthood. Yesterday we read that Jesus serves in a tabernacle far superior to the earthly one. Our text today tells us that Jesus also offered a sacrifice that was superior to those offered under the Old Covenant–His own life (vv. 12, 14). The blood of sacrificed animals was required to cleanse the instruments and the people under the Old Covenant. However, these rituals only cleansed them outwardly. The superior sacrifice of Christ, on the other hand, cleanses our consciences (vv. 13-14).

Christ’s sacrifice for us is not, though, only about cleansing our consciences so that we feel better. It transforms us so that we can now serve the living God. Under the old covenant the priests had to be cleansed before they could perform their ministries (cf. Lev. 8:6-30). Under the new covenant we are cleansed in the blood of Jesus so that we can go forth and perform our ministries before God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Did you know that if you belong to Christ you are a priest of God Most High? Part of sharing in the blessings of Christ means living in the reality of this priestly call.