In the book of Leviticus, God gave the generation leaving Egypt clear direction in how to deal with sin. The high priest was the mediator between a holy God and his sinful people. The role of this high priest was critical in the nation of Israel. The problem though with the high priest was that he too struggled with sin just like the people he represented. Notice what it says in Lev. 4:3,

“If the high priest sins, bringing guilt upon the entire community, he must give a sin offering for the sin he has committed.”

As a result of the Fall, no one is immune from sin. Even the high priest sinned!  His sin required that he offer a sacrifice for his imperfection before he could represent the people and fulfill his role.

The only exception to universal sinfulness is Jesus. Read the following verses to see the difference between Jesus as High Priest,

“For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin.” (Heb. 4:15)

“He committed no sin, neither was deceit found in his mouth.” (1 Pet. 2:22)

“You know that he appeared in order to take away sins, and in him there is no sin.” (1 Jn. 3:5)

Jesus, as our High Priest, is sinless. He could, therefore, shed his blood for our sins so that he could offer forgiveness to all who believe in him, once and for all. Notice what it says in Heb. 1:3,

“After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”

The statement that Jesus “sat down” is startling.  The high priest’s work in the Old Testament was never finished. He never sat down on the job! But we see that Jesus, through his one sacrifice for you and me sat down at the right hand of the Father as evidence that he completed the work required in addressing our sin!

Father, thank you for giving us a perfect and sinless High Priest. His sacrifice on our behalf is finished. His death was a once and for all sacrifice. Living today as a follower of Jesus truly is a blessing and privilege.

Following Jesus with you,