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During the time of the exodus from Egypt to the Promised Land, God told the Israelites to “make a sanctuary for me, and I will dwell among them” (Ex. 25:8). This Tabernacle demonstrates God’s holiness as symbolized by His separation from the common and unclean. The portable nature of the Tabernacle shows His desire to be with His people as they travel in the wilderness. It does not imply that God is not Omnipresent but to the Israelites, it was a distinct reality of His local presence. With the strict instructions given by God to Moses and the finest quality materials used in its building, it also reflects God’s greatness and immeasurable dignity. In summary, He leaves nothing to chance in the building of the sanctuary. However, the earthly sanctuary is but a shadow of the reality to come, one which is realized by the coming of Jesus.
Under the old covenant Jewish system, only the Levites are chosen as priests and sacrifices are offered daily on the altar for the forgiveness of sins (ref. Heb. 8:3). This would disqualify Jesus from becoming a priest because He was from the tribe of Judah (ref. Heb. 8:4). The fact that Jesus had entered heaven, and seated at the right hand of the Father, suggest His kingly dignity in the exercise of His priestly duty and responsibility. It was a place of honour in heaven itself. Therefore, His service must be fulfilled in heaven.
The eternal Great High-priest has work to do corresponding with the spiritual dignity of His Office in the heavenly sanctuary. Now Jesus’ work as a King and a Great High Priest has two major implications. As King, He represents God to man. As Great High Priest, He represents man to God. That is the essence of reconciliation with God for all who come to Him. There is no eternal value to the regular and repetitive sacrifices of the Levite priests. When Jesus came He paid the price of our sins by His death on the cross – the perfect eternal sacrifice. His ministry is an exalted one performed in heaven with better promises and hope for all of us. Let us be encouraged by this to share the joy of salvation with our loved ones and others as we acknowledge and trust Him totally.
Jesus says: “I am the way and the truth and the life.
No one comes to the Father except through me.” (John 14:6)
