Hebrews 8
Dear RTB’ers,
My reflection today is the same reflection I had a few years back – I understand the Levitical priests offering “gifts and sacrifices”, and I understand Jesus’ sacrifice on the cross. But what was his gift? In 2020 I replied, “I would suggest that His very life on earth was His gift to us. His ministry, His teachings, His example… Through His life He has taught us everything we really need to know. That’s His gift!!” One year later, reflecting on the same passage and the same question I ended up with a different conclusion. I saw His Ascension and His seat at His Father’s right hand and His continuing intercession as His gift to us. What about the rest of you? With Jesus as our new High Priest, what is/was His gift to us? Or does the New Covenant discard that Old Testament command for “gifts and sacrifices”?
Also, back in 2021 I was considering some comparisons between the “old ways” and the “New Way”:
| Moses & the High Priests | Jesus |
| Tabernacle/tent | Heaven |
| Old Covenant | New Covenant |
| Animal sacrifices | Jesus’ human death |
| Gifts and Sacrifices | Crucifixion and Ascension |
| Annual atonement | Once, for all time |
| Succession of High Priests | Jesus, forever |
| Tribe of Levi | Tribe of Judah |
Closing with “I’m sure there are more comparisons we could make, but these stand out. We are so blessed to be living on this side of the Cross”.
Blessings!
Fred, I see this not as an either or answer but as a 2-part answer. A gift (noun) is something the giver, Jesus, gives (verb). Jesus gave his life so that we can benefit from his intercession for us.