Therefore, holy brothers, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess. – Hebrews 3:1 NIV
Steps on Your Journey to Know God More Intimately
- Archiereus means chief priest or high priest.
- High priests were over the other priests. They were the only ones who could go directly into the Holy of Holies, where God was. They represented the people before God. A high priest’s chief duty was, once a year on the Day of Atonement, to enter into the Holy of Holies (from which the other priests were excluded) and offer sacrifices for his own sins and the sins of the people. Jesus offered His own life as a sacrifice, once and for all, to save everyone from their sins.
- Hebrews 2:17 says, “For this reason he had to be made like his brothers in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people.” What does this verse add about our high priest?
- Think about how Jesus is your high priest. Thank Him for what He does for you.
A Prayer for You
Jesus, I’m so grateful that You were willing to come to earth as my High Priest. You not only offered the sacrifice for my sins, You offered Yourself as the sacrifice. Thank You so much. I choose to keep my thoughts fixed on You.
Excerpted from The Surprising Joy of Exploring God’s Heart by Gaylyn Williams.