What is the meaning of Hebrews 8:3? And since every high priest • God instituted the high-priestly office so that a chosen man would stand between a holy God and a sinful people (Hebrews 5:1; Exodus 28:1). • From Aaron onward, every high priest served as a living reminder that humanity needs a mediator (Leviticus 16:32; Hebrews 9:7). • The writer begins by connecting Jesus with this established pattern, showing continuity with God’s previous design (Hebrews 3:1). is appointed • Appointment means calling, not self-promotion (Hebrews 5:4). • In Israel the high priest was set apart by God’s command; likewise, the Father appointed the Son (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:21). • This underlines divine initiative—our salvation plan starts with God’s choice, not human effort (John 3:16). to offer both gifts and sacrifices • “Gifts” points to the grain, incense, and thank offerings that expressed worship (Leviticus 2:1-2; Numbers 15:3-4). • “Sacrifices” speaks of blood offerings that dealt with sin (Leviticus 4:27-31; Hebrews 9:9). • Together they portray complete devotion—adoration and atonement (Hebrews 10:1). it was necessary • Divine justice demands a true offering; mere intention is not enough (Hebrews 9:22). • Necessity here is moral, not accidental—God’s holiness requires a sufficient sacrifice (Romans 3:26). • The verse moves from principle (what priests must do) to fulfillment (what Christ has done) (Hebrews 2:17). for this One also to have something to offer • “This One” singles out Jesus, superior yet consistent with the priestly pattern (Hebrews 7:26). • His “something” is Himself: – “He sacrificed for sins once for all when He offered Himself” (Hebrews 7:27). – “Christ loved us and gave Himself up for us as a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God” (Ephesians 5:2). – Voluntary, perfect, final—no additional offering will ever be needed (Hebrews 10:10-14). • By presenting His own life, He fulfills every symbol embedded in the former gifts and sacrifices (John 1:29; Revelation 5:9). summary Hebrews 8:3 anchors Jesus’ priestly work in the established pattern of Scripture: God appoints a high priest to present gifts of worship and sacrifices for sin. Because that pattern flows from divine necessity, Jesus, the ultimate High Priest, must also bring an offering. He does so by giving Himself—perfect, once for all—meeting God’s righteous requirements and securing our everlasting access to the Father. |
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