Hebrews 9:11-15 — The Ultimate Sacrifice

READ THIS: Hebrews 9:11-15

11 But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation. 12 He did not enter by means of the blood of goats and calves; but he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, thus obtaining eternal redemption. 13 The blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a heifer sprinkled on those who are ceremonially unclean sanctify them so that they are outwardly clean. 14 How much more, then, will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered himself unblemished to God, cleanse our consciences from acts that lead to death, so that we may serve the living God! 
 
15 For this reason Christ is the mediator of a new covenant, that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance—now that he has died as a ransom to set them free from the sins committed under the first covenant.

WHAT’S THIS MEAN, ANYWAY?

When people messed up in the Old Testament days, they often had to provide sacrifices to God through priests. These priests would serve as mediators for the sinful people, sacrificing animals on their behalf and possibly even sprinkling the blood of the sacrificed animal over the sinner. By doing this, God would no longer see the sinful person as what they were, and instead He would see the sacrifice and forgive them. The author is trying to explain that Jesus is similar to this kind of sacrifice, but SO much greater than it!

Jesus didn’t enter into some earthly temple… He ultimately ascended into heaven, the greatest temple there is. Jesus didn’t sacrifice some small animal to cover our sin… He gave up His own life for us! If Jesus’s payment was that much greater, how much more will our sins be covered?! We don’t need to fear being broken and sinful people as long as we go before God and believe in Jesus! His blood covers us, and instead of seeing our sinful selves, God sees His Son’s sacrifice!

THINK ABOUT IT:

1. This passage mentions an “eternal inheritance” that has been promised to us. What is that inheritance, and how do we claim it?
 
2. How does this passage carry on the theme of Hebrews that Jesus is greater than anyone and anything?

TRY THIS:

The next time you wash your hands today, take a second to sprinkle a little water on top of your head… yes, I know that sounds weird. When you do this, think about the fact that Jesus’s blood is completely covering you, no matter how far you fall short!

SONG OF THE WEEK:
 
Check out this song about Jesus being our High Priest before God in Heaven!





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