23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.
Jesus was a better priest! That is the author of Hebrews theme from chapter 3-10. In the above verse the writer gives us an amazing truth that helps us believe Jesus is a better priest. The issue is that many people don’t think they even need a priest. A priest is designed, by the term itself, to represent someone in spiritual work. Far too many people don’t even a thought about their spiritual lives, much less a priest to represent them. The Jewish believers who this book was written to, would most certainly, however, understand the need for a priest. That was the main system the nation of Israel was given. In these chapters the author of Hebrews is focusing their eyes away from Judaism and unto a better priest, Jesus. The fact that He is “better” is established, in this text, because the Jewish priest could not stay as a priest since they died. Jesus, it is stated in this text, lives forever. We read the following about Him:
For it is witnessed of him,
“You are a priest forever,
after the order of Melchizedek.”
Hebrews 7:20-21 (ESV)
And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him:
“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
‘You are a priest forever.’”
Hebrews 7:28 (ESV)
For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
We read over and over that Jesus was a prefect priest “forever.” He “ever” lives to make intercession for us. That is the beauty of this truth. Jesus is not a priest who lived and represented us and then died, making a need for another priest. No, Jesus is a priest “forever.” He always lives. Notice what the author will say later in the book:
Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.
The immutability of Jesus is the refreshing thought about our sin. He lives to take away our sins in the past, present and future. Jesus is lives forever. Therefore we can count on Him to take our sins from the past, present and future. He ever lives!! His resurrection was His demonstrations of His living forever. He overcame death. Therefore He can overcome our sins, forever. That is a truth we are to rejoice over and celebrate.
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