“Jesus the Perfect High Priest” – a message from Leviticus 8-10 for Lent

This past weekend at Eastbrook, we continued our preaching series entitled “Holy God, Wholly Given: Lent in Leviticus.” My message this week explored the calling and functions of the priests, especially the High Priest, as outlined in Leviticus. I then connected that with the ministry of Jesus as the perfect High Priest as described in Hebrews.

You can find the message outline and video below. You can access the entire series here. Join us for weekend worship in-person or remotely via Eastbrook at Home.

---

“I will consecrate Aaron and his sons to serve me as priests. Then I will dwell among the Israelites and be their God.” (Exodus 29:44b-45)

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” (Hebrews 4:14)

What is a High Priest?

The ordination of the high priest (Leviticus 8-10, 21-22)

• The ordination by Moses
• The set apart clothing
• The set apart calling

The calling of the high priest (Exodus 29:44-46)

• Standing before God on behalf of humans
• Standing before humans on behalf of God

The functions of the high priest:

• Overseeing the worship of God’s people: lead worshiper and worship maintainer
• Distinguishing for the people: between holy and common, clean and unclean
• Speaking for God: teaching God’s ways and offering blessing in God’s name

Jesus the Perfect High Priest

The tabernacle and the ways and means of Leviticus are echoes of a deeper, heavenly reality (Hebrews 8:5)

The repetitive sacrifices are fulfilled by the once-for-all-time sacrificial offering of Jesus (Hebrews 7:27)

The new high priest found in Jesus (Hebrews 4:14-16)

Living with Jesus the High Priest

Step by faith into life with God through Jesus

Savor the gift of life with God through Jesus

Share with others the gift of life with God through Jesus

---

Dig Deeper

This week dig deeper in one or more of the following ways:

• Join in with Eastbrook’s daily devotional during Lent
• Consider reading the guidelines about establishing the priests in Exodus 28-29; Leviticus 8-10, 21-22; and Numbers 1:47-54; 3:1-20, 44-51; 8:5-26. Although much here can seem odd to us, what do you think this communicates about who God is and what is required for us to live with a holy and awesome God? 
• Take some time to prayerfully read and reflect on Hebrews 4:14-5:10. Whether by journalling, drawing, praying, or talking to a friend, consider what it means that Jesus is our great High Priest. 
• Explore some or all of the Bible Project Royal Priesthood video series