1. The first section (1:1-4:13) emphasizes "the superiority of Christ as God's spokesman." 2. The second section (4:14-ch.10) emphasizes "the superiority of Christ as High Priest." a. (4:14-5:10) Jesus is shown to be a great High Priest. b. (5:11-ch.6) The need for spiritual growth is stressed. c. (ch.7) The Lord's priesthood is superior to the Levitical priesthood. 3. (ch.8) As High Priest,: a. Christ has a better ministry (vs.1-5) b. Christ is the mediator of a better covenant (vs.6-13).
Discussion:
I. (8:1-5) AS HIGH PRIEST, CHRIST HAS A BETTER MINISTRY
A. (vs.1) Christ serves as High Priest at the right hand of God in heaven. B. (vs.2) At God's right hand, Christ is "minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man." 1. The priests under the old covenant accomplished the service of God in the worldly tabernacle (9:1-6). 2. Christ fulfills His ministry in heaven (9:11, 24; 4:14-16). C. (vs.3) As High Priest, Christ has made a special offering (7:25-27; 9:25-26; 10:11-12). D. (vs.4-5) It is significant that Christ fulfills His ministry in heaven because He could not serve as priest on earth (7:13-14).
II. (8:6-13) AS HIGH PRIEST, CHRIST IS THE MEDIATOR OF A BETTER COVENANT
A. (vs.6) The Lord's covenant was established upon better promises [described as "exceeding great and precious promises" in 2 Peter 1:4]. B. (vs.7) The old covenant was replaced because it was not faultless. 1. The law served its intended purpose (Galatians 3:23-25). 2. However, the law could not produce perfection (7:19; Romans 3:20). C. (vs.8-12) The Old Testament prophesied that it would one day be replaced by a better covenant (Jeremiah 31:31-34). 1. (vs.8, 11) The new covenant is universal. 2. (vs.9) The new covenant is not like the old one. 3. (vs.10) God's laws in the new covenant are to be in the mind and heart. 4. (vs.12) The new covenant offers the complete removal of sin (10:1-4, 14-18). D. (vs.13) The first covenant had become old and was ready to vanish away.
