Read Hebrews 7:27 and Hebrews 10:10. How is Jesus’ sacrifice described in these passages?
The Levitical priests — who were “many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office” (Hebrews 7:23, ESV) — are contrasted with Jesus, who lives forever and has an eternal priesthood (Hebrews 7:24-25). Levitical priests “daily” (Hebrews 7:27) and “every year” (Hebrews 9:25) offered gifts and sacrifices “that cannot perfect the conscience of the worshiper” (Hebrews 9:9, ESV; Hebrews 10:1-4).
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Jesus, however, offered Himself “once for all” a “single sacrifice” (Hebrews 10:10, Hebrews 10:12-14, ESV) that cleanses our consciences (Hebrews 9:14, Hebrews 10:1-10) and puts away sin (Hebrews 9:26). Jesus’ sacrifice is superior to the sacrifice of animals because Jesus was the Son of God (Hebrews 7:26-28), who perfectly fulfilled God’s will (Hebrews 10:5-10).
The description of the sacrifice of Jesus as having occurred “once for all” has several important implications.
First, Jesus’ sacrifice is perfectly effective and never to be surpassed. The sacrifices of the Levitical priests were repeated because they were not effective; otherwise “would they not have ceased to be offered, since the worshipers, having once been cleansed, would no longer have any consciousness of sins?” (Hebrews 10:2, ESV).
Second, all the different kinds of sacrifices of the Old Testament found their fulfillment at the cross. Thus, Jesus not only cleanses us from sin (Hebrews 9:14), He also provides sanctification (Hebrews 10:10-14) by putting sin away from our lives (Hebrews 9:26). Before the priests could approach God in the sanctuary and minister in behalf of their fellow human beings, they had to be cleansed and sanctified, or consecrated (Leviticus 8:1-9:24). Jesus’ sacrifice cleanses us and consecrates us (Hebrews 10:10-14) so that we may approach God with confidence (Hebrews 10:19-23) and serve Him as “a royal priesthood” (Hebrews 9:14, 1 Peter 2:9).
Finally, Jesus’ sacrifice also provides nourishment for our spiritual life. It provides an example that we need to observe and follow. Thus, Hebrews invites us to fix our eyes upon Jesus, especially the events of the cross, and follow His lead (Hebrews 12:1-4, Hebrews 13:12-13, ).
| The cross is the basis for all the benefits that God bestows upon us. It provides purification from sin, sanctification to serve, and nourishment to grow. How can we better experience what we have been given in Jesus? |
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