In ancient Israel, priests from the House of Levi would first sacrifice an unblemished Lamb in the Holy Place for atonement of his own sins. Wearing priestly garments, the priest would then enter into the Holy of Holies, where he would sacrifice a spotless lamb on behalf of the people.
Jesus was a different kind of priest. He was not born of the House of Levi. As the prophets of old foretold, he was a descendent of the house of Judah. Before the creation of the world, Jesus, God’s Son, was appointed High Priest (Hebrews 7:21-23).
Jesus, our High Priest, did not have to atone for His sins. As the spotless Lamb of God, he became the sacrifice. He did not wear His priestly garments, but humbly hung naked on that wooden cross, making atonement for the sins of the world.
Upon completion of this final sacrifice, the curtain dividing the Holy Place and the Holy of Holies was torn in two, ending the old covenant of the law and opening the way to our Lord Jesus, our eternal High Priest.
The old law was banished!
The new law (covenant) of Christ’s death and resurrection is now our guide, our mirror, and our rule. The new law of our High Priest, Jesus, is the law of love: “You shall love the Lord, your God, with all your heart, your soul, your mind, and actions, and love your neighbor as yourself. (Luke 10:27)
We sing with the lyricist:
“Oh there’s a new law— think new thoughts.
There’s a new law– change your hearts;
There’s a new law in the land…”
(J. Miffleton)
Our High Priest will continue to love us and be our intercessor with the Father. Praise Him for His sacrifice of love for us!
Prayer: Holy Father, we praise and thank you for your unspeakable gift of mercy, forgiveness, and love through the death and resurrection of the precious Lamb of God, our High Priest. We pray in the precious name of Jesus by the grace of the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Kathy Krass
Trinity Lutheran Church, Hicksville, NY
Nassau Zone
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