What's More Excellent?

Dear Faith Family,   

"But as it is, Christ has obtained a ministry that is as much more excellent than the old as the covenant he mediates is better..." (Hebrews 8:6)



For the last several weeks, we've been pondering the image of Jesus Ascended* as our merciful and faithful High Priest of good things. After all, this is the picture of Jesus painted in detail throughout the Letter to the Hebrews. And while we said that the image of a priest may be less familiar to some, hopefully, as you've contemplated the visual of Jesus Ascended*, you, like me, have become more able to picture and appreciate this unique image of Christ. 

Speaking of unique, the visual of Jesus' priestliness in Hebrews breaks whatever mold or model of priest we have in our minds. Yes, Jesus does what the priests before him did. However, says the author of Hebrews, "They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things" (Heb. 8:5). The reality of who Jesus is and what He does as our high priest constitutes a more excellent ministry. As we discussed and watched on Sunday, this "much more excellent" ministry, not merely a model of ministry, is what humanity has needed and God has desired since we first found ourselves in need of a mediator, in a life outside of Eden. 

What is the more excellent ministry? Well, the author of Hebrews sums it up this way: 

"But when Christ had offered for all time a single sacrifice for sins, he sat down at the right hand of God...For by a single offering he has perfected for all time those who are being sanctified." (Hebrews 10:12,14)



Jesus Ascended*, once for all, "has perfected," made wholly mature in the past and for the future, all those who "are being" made holy, set apart for goodness, in the present. Let the wonder of Hebrews 10:14 sink in for a moment. Better yet, do what we've done the last few weeks:


As you ponder Jesus Ascended* and his once-for-all offering, may we see not a model to follow but a more excellent high priest to whom we are united. Seeing that what is true of Him now and forever is also true of us today and into eternity, let us live in the perfection of our sanctification. 

Love you, faith family. God bless.