In the biblical narrative, the role of a priest is central to the relationship between God and His people. Priests serve as mediators, offering sacrifices and prayers on behalf of the people. In the New Testament, Jesus Christ is presented as the ultimate High Priest, fulfilling and surpassing the Old Testament priesthood.

Old Testament Background

The concept of priesthood is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. The Levitical priesthood, established under the Mosaic Law, was responsible for performing sacrifices and maintaining the tabernacle and later the temple. Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first high priest, and his descendants continued in this role (Exodus 28:1). The priests were to be holy, set apart for the service of God, and were intermediaries between God and Israel.

Christ as High Priest

The New Testament book of Hebrews provides the most comprehensive exposition of Christ's priesthood. Jesus is described as a priest "in the order of Melchizedek" (Hebrews 5:6), a reference to the mysterious priest-king of Salem who blessed Abraham (Genesis 14:18-20). This order is significant because it predates the Levitical priesthood and is eternal, symbolizing the eternal nature of Christ's priesthood.

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."

The Sacrifice of Christ

Unlike the Levitical priests who offered sacrifices repeatedly, Christ offered Himself once for all. Hebrews 9:11-12 explains, "But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that have come, He went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made by hands, that is, not of this creation. He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption."

This singular, perfect sacrifice is central to the Christian understanding of salvation. Jesus' death and resurrection are seen as the fulfillment of the sacrificial system, providing a way for humanity to be reconciled with God.

Intercession and Mediation

As High Priest, Christ continues to intercede for believers. Hebrews 7:25 states, "Therefore He is able to save completely those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to intercede for them." This ongoing intercession underscores the belief that Christ is actively involved in the lives of believers, advocating on their behalf before the Father.

The Priesthood of Believers

While Christ is the ultimate High Priest, 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 through Christ, all believers have direct access to God and are called to serve as His representatives on earth.

In summary, Jesus Christ as High Priest is a foundational aspect of Christian theology, representing the fulfillment of Old Testament priestly functions and establishing a new covenant through His sacrifice and ongoing intercession.Hebrews 10:11,12
And every priest stands daily ministering and offering oftentimes the same sacrifices, which can never take away sins:
Torrey's Topical Textbook

749. archiereus -- high priest
... From arche and hiereus; the high-priest (literally, of the Jews, typically, Christ);
by extension a chief priest -- chief (high) priest, chief of the priests. ...
//strongsnumbers.com/greek2/749.htm - 7k

The High Priests of the Jews under whom Christ Taught.
... The Church History of Eusebius. Book I. Chapter X."The High Priests of the
Jews under whom Christ taught. 1. It was in the fifteenth ...
/.../pamphilius/church history/chapter x the high priests of.htm

Jesus the Christ.
... 2, as declaring that Bethlehem should be Christ's birthplace. The wise men who came
to Jerusalem seeking the young Babe heard the same thing from the priests. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/jesus the christ.htm

The Charge of the Pilgrim Priests
... You priests of the living God, you men and women, you say that you are Christ's,
and therefore are consecrated to a nobler priesthood than any other"to you ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture g/the charge of the pilgrim.htm

In the Spiritual Israel the High-Priests are those who Devote ...
... We say accordingly that men can be high-priests according to the order of Aaron,
but according to the order of Melchisedek only the Christ of God. Footnotes: ...
/.../origen/origens commentary on the gospel of john/3 in the spiritual israel.htm

The Judicial Severity of Christ and the Tenderness of the Creator ...
... To the tribe of Judah, indeed, wholly appertained the promised Christ, [4894] in
order that men might know that at Jerusalem were both the priests and the ...
/.../the five books against marcion/chapter xxxv the judicial severity of.htm

Bourdaloue -- the Passion of Christ
... to meditate to-day on this fact in the spirit of holy compunction; to us consecrated
to the ministry of the altars, to us priests of Jesus Christ, whom God has ...
/.../various/the worlds great sermons vol 2/bourdaloue the passion of.htm

Christ Before Pilate.
... named Barabbas, but they, in their anxiety to reject Christ, at once name him. The
people were stimulated to this choice by the bitter hatred of the priests. ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ before pilate.htm

Vain Attempts of Marcion and his Followers, who Exclude Abraham ...
... setting at naught and blaspheming God, who introduces, through Jesus Christ, Abraham
to the ... command that the offices should be performed by the priests for the ...
/.../irenaeus/against heresies/chapter viii vain attempts of marcion.htm

From the Departure of Marath Mary from the World, and the Birth ...
... And the priests went to the judge, and said to him: My lord, send and ... with which
Abgar the king was afflicted"for Abgar the king loved Jesus Christ, and was ...
//christianbookshelf.org/unknown/the decretals/vi from the departure of.htm

Christ Crucified.
... the passover at that time.3. It seems clear to me that Christ, anxious to ... The priests
hurried the trial and execution of Jesus so that they might proceed to ...
/.../johnson/the new testament commentary vol iii john/christ crucified.htm

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