Christ’s Superior Priesthood, Part 2

Have you ever been in a conversation with a friend in which you were explaining a complex argument? After working through all the pieces, you might end with a summary statement by saying, “The point I am trying to make is . . .”

Today’s passage opens in a similar way. Having worked through the complex argument comparing Christ’s priesthood to the Levitical priesthood, the author of Hebrews says, “The main point of what we are saying is this” (v. 1). In this summary, Scripture shows us the superiority of Christ’s priesthood in two main ways.

First, Christ is superior because of who He is. Our high priest “sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven” (v. 1). The “right hand,” of course, signals a place of authority and power. Christ’s position here indicates His exalted status as equal to God the Father. Moreover, the fact that He “sat down” points to the completion of His task. As Priest, His work is done, and His self-sacrifice has been offered. No earthly priest could ever be said to enter into God’s presence and be seated at the very throne of God!

Second, Christ is superior because of where He serves: “in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord” (v. 2). Levitical priests served in a sanctuary, but theirs was an earthly tent, made by human hands. In fact, Scripture tells us that “they serve at a sanctuary that is a copy and shadow of what is in heaven” (v. 5; see Ex. 25:40). The true, heavenly sanctuary is where Christ serves as priest. As a result, “the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one” (v. 6).

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