Reflections based on Hebrews 9:11–28.

It is in Hebrews that we are given the details of how Jesus superseded the Old Testament laws and rituals. When we looked at Leviticus we saw how the sacrifices were a foretaste of what Jesus would do. His sacrifice did far more than they could; while they made people clean or ceremonially acceptable on the outside, Jesus’ shedding of blood went far deeper, transforming our hearts to make us clean on the inside. It freed us from sin’s power – of course we still have to walk in that for ourselves, but it did something that we could never do; put us in right standing before God.

Throughout today’s chapter, the old is set against the new, revealing the imperfections of the old system. For example, the involuntary sacrifice of animals is set against the voluntary sacrifice of Jesus (see vv13–14).

Verse 12 is one that can be a source of great comfort to us: ‘he entered the Most Holy Place once for all by his own blood, so obtaining eternal redemption’. For under the law, people could never be sure of total forgiveness, but Jesus has secured ‘eternal redemption’ for us. The term redemption is imagery borrowed from slavery. The Greek word, lystrosin, talks about the paying of a price in order to release a slave, which Jesus willing did for each of us. 

Verses 15–17 talk about the legality of Jesus’ actions. Using the term ‘will’ they reveal what Jesus gave us. His love is shown in how He came as a mediator between God and His people – but the benefits could not be experienced until His death. We are unable to meet the demands of our pure and holy God through our own efforts – but Jesus did it for us through His blood.

Prayer: Jesus, it is fascinating to see how Your sacrifice both reflected and superseded those of the Old Testament. Thank You that You willingly died for me. Amen.