Hebrews 9:11-15
11 But Christ has appeared as the high priest of the good things that have happened. He passed through the greater and more perfect meeting tent, which isn’t made by human hands (that is, it’s not a part of this world). 12 He entered the holy of holies once for all by his own blood, not by the blood of goats or calves, securing our deliverance for all time. 13 If the blood of goats and bulls and the sprinkled ashes of cows made spiritually contaminated people holy and clean, 14 how much more will the blood of Jesus wash our consciences clean from dead works in order to serve the living God? He offered himself to God through the eternal Spirit as a sacrifice without any flaw.
15 This is why he’s the mediator of a new covenant (which is a will): so that those who are called might receive the promise of the eternal inheritance on the basis of his death. His death occurred to set them free from the offenses committed under the first covenant.
Reflection
Hebrews is one of many Bible writers who attempt to explain the Mystery of Christ’s atoning death. But this is an impossible problem. As theologian Matthew Henry put it, “The depth of the mystery of the sacrifice of Christ, we cannot dive into, the height we cannot comprehend. We cannot search out the greatness of it, or the wisdom, the love, the grace that is in it. But in considering the sacrifice of Christ, faith finds life, food, and refreshment."
Questions
- In some ways, our religion filled with activities and study can make it difficult to have a real holy encounter. How does the business of the “work” of faith influence your ability to worship God in wonder?
- Christianity is one of the few religions where We can encounter God instead of the High Priest doing it on our behalf. How does this shape your experience of faith?
Prayer: Jesus, in becoming human, you bridged the gap between God and humanity in order to restore the relationship in ways that nothing else can. Help me rejoice in your sacrifice on my behalf. Amen.