Introduction: Hebrews 8 continues to explain Jesus Christ’s role as our eternal High Priest, comparing the old covenant under the Mosaic law with the new and superior covenant established through Christ. The chapter points out the end of the old covenant and the temple’s priestly system through a series of compelling arguments. It assures believers of a relationship with God that is rooted in a life change rather than following commandments, and observing holy days and feasts.
I. The Superior Ministry of Christ (Hebrews 8:1-2)
The first verses speaks of Jesus Christ seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, serving as our High Priest in a true tabernacle set up by the God the Father himself. This image points to Christ’s exalted position and His ongoing ministry on behalf of humanity. The Bible tells us in Psalm 110:1 about Jesus’ exalted position at God’s right hand, we have a God that is alive and well today, unlike many of the other religions of the world. In Revelation 21:22, the Bible points out the fact that the true tabernacle is the Lord Himself. Also in Mark 16:19, we read about Jesus’ ascension and His place at God’s right hand.
II. The Earthly Priesthood and Heavenly Ministry Contrast (Hebrews 8:3-5)
The words of these verses differentiates between the worldly priests who offer gifts according to the law and Jesus’ heavenly ministry. The earthly sanctuary and its rituals are just a foreshadowing of the true heavenly things. We read in Exodus 25:40, that the earthly tabernacle was a copy of the heavenly pattern, as is stated here in these verses. The Bible also tells us in Colossians 2:16-17, that everything in this world is just a shadow of things to come in Christ, therefore no one can judge another. Also in Hebrews 10:1, we see a further explanation of the concept of the law as a shadow of good things to come, not an embodiment of those things themselves.
III. The New Covenant and Its Superiority (Hebrews 8:6-13)
Here in these verses, the author of Hebrews talks about the new covenant Jesus mediates, which is superior to the old one and is based on better promises. This covenant involves the writing of God’s laws in the hearts and minds of people (the indwelling Holy Spirit), pointing to a personal and transformative relationship with God. We read in Jeremiah 31:31-34, the verses in Jeremiah are directly quoted here, prophesying the new covenant that God will establish, and from Jeremiah’s perspective, far into the future. Also in Luke 22:20, the Bible tells us Jesus’ last supper remark about the new covenant in His blood. In 2 Corinthians 3:6, the Bible mentions that believers are ministers of a new covenant, not of the letter but of the Spirit.
Conclusion: Hebrews 8 encourages believers to put their faith in the new covenant mediated by Jesus Christ, highlighting its superiority over the old covenant. The chapter assures us of Christ’s exalted ministry in the true heavenly tabernacle and the life changing nature of the new covenant, which is written in our hearts. This message should motivate us to draw near to God through the new and living way Jesus has given the world. Let us hold fast to our faith in Jesus Christ, knowing that when it’s all said and done in this world, we can experience an eternity in heaven.
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