426. HEB 4:14. THE HIGH-PRIEST A TYPE OF CHRIST

Heb_4:14. The High-Priest A Type Of Christ

"A great High-priest."’97Heb_4:14.

The high-priests under the law were persons of high official dignity, and whose duties were of the most solemn and important character. At the head of those engaged in the sacred services of the tabernacle, or temple, they were greatly venerated by the people, and occupied a sort of midway station between the worshippers and the great Being unto whom their services were presented. It is clear that they were evident types of the expected Messiah; and that not only in the sacrifices offered, but also in the illustrious official person who entered into the holiest place with the blood of the victim, the pious worshipper was led to exercise faith and hope in the promised Saviour of the world.

The points of resemblance are numerous and striking: let us contemplate them with a direct view to our spiritual knowledge and comfort. This is seen,

I. In their Personal Distinctions.

(1) They were to be men of one specified tribe, to be free from bodily infirmities and defects; they were to avoid touching any dead body; and they were not to mourn for the dead as others. See Lev_21:9-23. In this was very strikingly pointed out the perfection and holiness of Christ Jesus, our high priest, "was holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners," Heb_7:26. He had not one defect of character. He was free from every sinful infirmity, and reflected the perfectly holy and righteous image of God.

(2) As the highpriest too was fully devoted to sacred purposes, and did not engage in temporal affairs, so Christ was entirely engaged in the execution of his great sacerdotal calling. He lived to glorify his Father, and make known his mercy and grace to the miserable guilty sons of men.

II. In their Calling and Appointment to this Office.

To this great and holy calling, they were appointed by God, no man took this honor upon himself. So Jesus our highpriest was especially called and appointed of the Father. As such God is represented as "sending him forth," "delivering him up," "giving him for the life of the world." And Jesus ever acknowledged himself as his Father’s "called" and "chosen servant." "I come," he said, "to do thy will, O God."

III. In their Consecration to Office.

In this, (1) They were to be washed with water, Exo_29:4.

(2) They were to be anointed with oil, Exo_29:7.

(3) A sacrifice was to be presented to God, Exo_5:10.

In all these things we have a clear reference to Christ.

(1) Christ was consecrated to his great work by baptism.

(2) Here too the anointing oil of the Holy Ghost descended upon him.

(3) And from this period to the moment he expired on the cross, he was a living sacrifice, presented to God for the salvation of the world. See Mat_3:13-17.

IV. In The Sacerdotal Vestments, &c., which they wore.

(1) They were to be clothed round about the loins with fine white linen. Expressive of the purity and righteousness of Christ’s person and worth.

(2) They had the ephod, a costly and beautiful flowing garment, representing the rich graces, and heavenly beauties, of our great highpriest. In this was set, in precious stones, affixed to the shoulders, the names of the twelve tribes of Israel. Expressive of Christ bearing upon his shoulders all the interests of his spiritual kingdom, and sustaining all the concerns of his believing people.

(3) They had the Breastplate. This was to be made of twelve costly and precious stones. These were to be set in four rows, so as to form an exact square And this was affixed to the breast of the highpriest. In this was typified the love of Christ to his people. That he had them on his heart. That they were distinctly recognised and known of him. And that they were his peculiar treasure and delight The form of the breastplate might signify the perfection and security of the church of Christ. In all Christ’s offices and undertakings, he ever bears his people on his breast, indicating his tender and changeless love and solicitude for them.

(4) They had the Urim and Thummim. Of these it is difficult to speak. See Exo_28:30. But they signified "Light and Perfection" and it is supposed by and through these the priests obtained the will of God in all cases of judgment, and thus were preserved from error in all their decisions. Jesus Christ is the true light and perfection of all things. In him dwelt all the wisdom and knowledge of God. He spake most fully, and clearly, and infallibly the will of God. Through him we know all the will of God concerning us, and the love and mercy of God towards us.

(5) They had the mitre and the crown. This was a kind of head-dress, made of blue silk and fine linen, in shape like a half-coronet. Beautified with a golden plate, on which was engraven, "Holiness to the Lord," Exo_28:36. Here we hare represented the royal glory and absolute purity of Jesus. His dignity is unrivalled, his nature immaculate. His work is emphatically a holy work. He came to exhibit the holiness of God, and to redeem to himself and present before the Father a holy people to celebrate his praise forever. These were the chief distinctions in the garments of the high-priests. They typified Christ,

V. In their Sacred Work.

Now of these duties we refer only to the following:

1. They were to make an annual atonement for the people.

See Lev_16:3-16. See this fully illustrated in the office and work of Christ, Heb_9:7-14.

2. They were to make intercession for the people.

With the blood of the annual sacrifice, they went into the holiest of all, and there presented their prayers to God for the people. Thus Jesus has entered into the holiest place of all, and with his own blood appears before God, ever living to make intercession for us.

3. They blessed the people in the name of the Lord.

So Jesus Christ, as our exalted highpriest, has obtained for all believers remission of sins, and all the gifts and graces of his Holy Spirit. He ascended and entered the holy place, that he might receive gifts for men, yea, even for the rebellious. But the highpriest,

4. Had to give judgment and decide all matters of controversy.

This power and authority Christ possesses. All judgment is committed to him. He is the one infallible Head and Lord of his church, and he will finally judge the world in righteousness, and give to every man according as his works shall be.

But the high-priests under the law were but frail men Jesus is the immaculate Son of God. They were required to offer sacrifices first for themselves. But Christ had no sin. He was ever well pleasing to God. They had to repeat their sacrifices often: Jesus, by one sacrifice, has fully atoned for sin, and obtained salvation for every believer. They had their successors, for they did not continue by reason of death. Jesus is the one great High-priest, who ever liveth.

Application

1. See in Christ the priest of heavenly dignity, and the sacrifice of infinite merit 2. Come to him with penitence and in the exercise of faith, that you may personally be interested in this great salvation 3. There is no other sacrifice for sin, of hope for the sinner.

Autor: JABEZ BURNS