The concept of priesthood and mediation is central to the biblical narrative, serving as a bridge between God and humanity. In the Old Testament, the priesthood is established through the lineage of Aaron, the brother of Moses, and is integral to the religious life of Israel. The role of the priest is to offer sacrifices, intercede on behalf of the people, and maintain the sanctity of the tabernacle and later the temple.

Old Testament Priesthood

The priesthood is first instituted in the book of Exodus, where God commands Moses to consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests (Exodus 28:1). The priests are tasked with performing sacrifices and rituals as outlined in the Levitical law. Leviticus 16 details the Day of Atonement, a significant event where the high priest enters the Holy of Holies to make atonement for the sins of the people. The priesthood is characterized by strict regulations regarding purity, conduct, and duties, emphasizing the holiness required to approach God.

The priestly role is not only sacrificial but also instructional. Priests are responsible for teaching the Israelites God's laws and statutes (Leviticus 10:11). They serve as mediators, standing between a holy God and a sinful people, highlighting the need for atonement and reconciliation.

The High Priest as Mediator

The high priest holds a unique position within the priesthood, serving as the primary mediator between God and Israel. The high priest's most significant duty occurs on the Day of Atonement, where he enters the Most Holy Place to offer blood sacrifices for the atonement of the nation's sins (Leviticus 16:15-16). This act symbolizes the removal of sin and the restoration of fellowship with God.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the priesthood finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is described as the Great High Priest. The book of Hebrews elaborates on this theme, presenting Christ as the perfect mediator of a new covenant. Hebrews 4:14-16 states, "Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we profess. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

Christ's priesthood is superior to the Aaronic priesthood because it is based on the power of an indestructible life (Hebrews 7:16). Unlike the Levitical priests, who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered Himself once for all, securing eternal redemption (Hebrews 9:12). His sacrifice is sufficient to cleanse the conscience and bring believers into a direct relationship with God.

The Priesthood of All Believers

The New Testament also introduces the concept of the priesthood of all believers. 1 Peter 2:9 declares, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This passage emphasizes that all Christians have direct access to God through Christ and are called to offer spiritual sacrifices, such as praise and good works.

Mediation in the New Covenant

In the new covenant, Jesus is the sole mediator between God and humanity. 1 Timothy 2:5 affirms, "For there is one God and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus." This underscores the exclusivity and sufficiency of Christ's mediatorial work, which reconciles believers to God and grants them access to His presence.

The priesthood and mediation, as revealed in Scripture, highlight the necessity of a mediator to bridge the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity. Through the priesthood, God provided a means for atonement and reconciliation, ultimately fulfilled in the person and work of Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest.