Hebrews 8: The Original Priesthood
Scripture Focus:
“They serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things... 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, since it is enacted on better promises.”
— Hebrews 8:5–6 (ESV)
Reflection:
The priesthood in the Old Testament was not a man-made system. It was a copy and shadow—a model patterned after something real, something eternal: the heavenly priesthood.
What we see in the tabernacle, the sacrifices, the garments, the rituals—all of it pointed to something greater. These were earthly reflections of a heavenly reality.
There has always been a priesthood. But the true one wasn’t on earth—it was in heaven.
When Jesus came, He didn’t enter a man-made sanctuary—He entered the real one (Hebrews 9:24). As our Great High Priest, He brought His own blood—not the blood of animals—into the heavenly holy of holies. And that offering was final.
What Does This Mean for Us?
We no longer approach God through shadows—we come through the reality: Jesus Himself.
We are no longer under the old covenant with temporary sacrifices—we live under a new covenant, sealed by the blood of Christ.
We don’t need to imitate religious systems—we need to align ourselves with the heavenly pattern.
In Christ, we have access to something better:
A better priest, a better covenant, and better promises.
Application:
You are not trying to reach heaven through religion. Heaven reached you through Jesus.
You don’t need to perform to be accepted—you’ve been invited into a covenant where Jesus is your High Priest, your Mediator, and your Advocate.
So worship Him not as a distant God but as your heavenly priest, who ministers in the true tabernacle—and brings you with Him.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for being my eternal High Priest—not in shadows, but in reality. I turn from lifeless religion and press into the better covenant You made with Your own blood. Thank You for better promises, better access, and a living relationship with the Father. Help me walk today in that reality. Amen.