Office
The High Priest
A mediator between God and people
The shadow (Old Testament)
Aaron and his sons mediated between God and Israel — they offered sacrifices, bore the names of the tribes on the ephod over their hearts, and entered the sanctuary on the people's behalf (Exodus 28; Leviticus 9). It was a real ministry, but it had real limits: they were mortal, they were sinful, and they had to be replaced one by one.
- Exodus 28:1-4— Aaron consecrated
The substance (Christ)
Jesus is "a great high priest who has passed through the heavens" (Hebrews 4:14) — sinless, eternal, and deeply sympathetic to us. He bears our names not on stones but in His scars. And He is always alive to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25). Every limit of the old priesthood is answered in Him.
Apostolic commentary
Hebrews 4:14–5:10 and 7:23-28 — the priesthood passages.
- Hebrews 4:14-16— A great high priest
- Hebrews 7:23-28— He always lives to intercede
Take it in
Because your Mediator is greater than Aaron ever was, draw near to God with confidence — not casually, but boldly.