Pastor Ben Maahs shares how Hebrews 5:1-11 teaches that Jesus serves as our better High Priest in that: 1) He offers a perfect sacrifice for our sins. 2) God calls him to an eternal priesthood like Melchizedek. 3) He is perfected in this work through suffering.
Sermon: Jesus Christ, Our Eternal High Priest
Date: March 10, 2025
Text: Hebrews 5, Leviticus 16, and related passages
Introduction: The Danger of “Better”
Good morning, church! Let’s start with a word that might feel a little dangerous today: better. It’s a word that sneaks up on us, isn’t it? I want you married folks in the audience to think back to the first appliance you bought together. Maybe for some of you younger couples, it was a spoon from Dollarama for your first church potluck. For others, it was a trip to Sears in Regina for a chest freezer, or maybe McCloud’s for that brown fridge still sitting in the back of your garage. Or perhaps, back in 1971, you bought an avocado-green blender to make baby food for your firstborn. That blender chugged along faithfully—ten speeds, easy to clean—making food not just for one child but two.
Then one day, your daughter says, “Dad, when are you going to buy a new blender? The blades are dull, the motor’s burnt out—it won’t grind anything anymore!” You waffle for five years, but finally, you break down and buy a new one. And what do you discover? Blender technology has come a long way!
Why am I telling you this? Not to say “listen to your kids” or “go buy new appliances.” No, here’s the point: sometimes we only find out what’s better when we realize what’s lacking. Whether it’s the oomph of a blender, the depth of a friendship, or something far greater—like the priesthood that served Israel for over a thousand years—sometimes “better” only makes sense when we see the limits of what came before.
Today, we’re diving into God’s Word, specifically Hebrews, to explore Jesus Christ as our High Priest. My prayer is that you’ve been keeping up with your Bible reading plan—maybe you’re in Leviticus or Numbers by now—so these ideas won’t feel too foreign. Here’s our big truth: Jesus’ high priesthood brings us lasting and eternal salvation. And He does this in three ways:
- Jesus offers an eternal sacrifice for sin.
- Jesus is called to an eternal priesthood.
- Jesus is made perfect through suffering.
Let’s unpack these together, trusting God’s Word to guide us.
Point 1: Jesus Offers an Eternal Sacrifice for Sin
First, Jesus brings lasting salvation by offering an eternal sacrifice for sin. Hebrews 5:1 says, “For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.” In the Old Testament, the high priest was the mediator—the one who could approach God when no one else could. Not foreigners, not average Israelites, not even Levites or other priests could enter the Holy of Holies, where the Ark of the Covenant rested. Only the high priest, once a year on the Day of Atonement, could go in.
Turn with me to Leviticus 16. Verse 6 says, “Aaron shall offer the bull as a sin offering for himself and shall make atonement for himself and for his house.” Then he takes two goats, casts lots, and offers sacrifices. Notice who’s doing all the work here: Aaron. Not the priests, not the Levites, not the people—only the high priest. He’s the one sprinkling blood on the Ark, pleading, “Forgive us, O Lord,” on behalf of the nation.
But here’s the catch: Aaron wasn’t perfect. Hebrews 5:2 tells us the high priest could “deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness.” He wasn’t Superman swooping in to save the day. He was a sinner too. Remember the golden calf? Who made it? Aaron! He threw gold into the fire, and when Moses confronted him, he shrugged, “Out came this calf!” Aaron had to atone for his own sins before he could atone for Israel’s.
So how is Jesus better? Hebrews 9:13-14 says, “If the blood of goats and bulls… sanctify for the purification of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ, who through the eternal Spirit offered Himself without blemish to God, purify our conscience from dead works to serve the living God?” Jesus doesn’t offer animal blood—He offers His own, spotless and sinless. Unlike the lambs that couldn’t limp or lack an ear, Jesus is the perfect Lamb. Hebrews 9:12 adds, “He entered once for all into the holy places… by means of His own blood, thus securing an eternal redemption.” His sacrifice doesn’t wear out or need repeating. It’s eternal because He is eternal. Hallelujah, what a Savior!
Point 2: Jesus Is Called to an Eternal Priesthood
Second, Jesus secures eternal salvation by being called to an eternal priesthood. The Old Testament priests carried a heavy burden. Day after day, their hands were in animal guts, their hearts weighed down by the people’s sins. When one priest died, another took his place, but the sin never stopped. Who’s sufficient for that? Only the One called by God. Hebrews 5:4 says, “No one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.”
Remember Korah? He was a Levite—privileged to carry the tabernacle—but he got proud. “We’re all holy,” he told Moses and Aaron. “Why do you get to approach God?” He tried to go to God on his own terms. And what happened? The earth swallowed him up. Lesson learned: you don’t approach a holy God without His chosen mediator.
Now, here’s the gift of Jesus. Hebrews 5:5-6 says, “Christ did not exalt Himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by Him who said… ‘You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.’” Unlike Aaron, Jesus doesn’t come and go. His priesthood lasts forever because He’s the eternal Son of God.
Who’s Melchizedek? Genesis 14 introduces him as the king of Salem—meaning “peace”—and a priest of God Most High. His name means “king of righteousness.” He brings bread and wine to celebrate Abraham’s victory, blesses him, and receives a tithe—all without a genealogy. No beginning, no end. He points to an everlasting kingdom. Jesus fulfills this perfectly. He’s both King and Priest, reigning over a kingdom that cannot be shaken, interceding for us forever. His atonement is finished, but His prayers for us never stop. Take heart—He lives to plead for you!
Point 3: Jesus Is Made Perfect Through Suffering
Third, Jesus secures eternal salvation by being made perfect through suffering. This might trip you up at first. Hebrews 5:8-9 says, “Although He was a Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered. And being made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him.” Wasn’t Jesus already perfect? Yes—sinless from eternity. So what does this mean?
Don’t panic. When in doubt, keep reading. Jesus didn’t learn obedience through trial and error or sin. You can learn to cut an onion without slicing your finger—it’s rare, but possible with good instruction. Jesus, the sinless Son, learned obedience by experiencing suffering as a man. Hebrews 2:17 says He “had to be made like His brothers in every respect, so that He might become a merciful and faithful high priest… to make propitiation for the sins of the people.”
Think of Joseph in Genesis. Sold by his brothers, wrongly accused, imprisoned—yet through suffering, he became a savior to his people. Jesus’ time on earth equipped Him to sympathize with us fully. He knows temptation, pain, and death—not as a distant God, but as a man. Then He conquered death, rising in glory, destroying the devil’s power (Hebrews 2:14). Now He’s the source of eternal salvation—not for angels, but for us, Abraham’s offspring. He lacks nothing to save us completely. Hallelujah!
Application: Live in the Light of This Salvation
So what do we do with this? Jesus’ priesthood is a great gift—and for those who receive it by faith, a great responsibility. He’s secured eternal salvation: a sacrifice that never fades, a priesthood that never ends, a Savior perfected to bring us rest. If that weight of glory doesn’t stir you, tremble.
First, don’t add to it. Legalism says, “I earn God’s favor.” That’s a mistake Korah made—bringing filthy rags to a holy God. Christ’s sacrifice is finished. You don’t bring a cowpie to the table and call it supper. Bring thanksgiving, praise, and obedience instead.
Second, this is your boldness. Hebrews 4:16 says we can “draw near with confidence to the throne of grace” because Jesus has gone before us. Whether it’s your first time seeking forgiveness, or the tenth time confessing the same sin, or the first time in a long time unsure of where you stand—come to Him. He’s waiting.
Third, this is your hope. The promise of heaven equips us for a world that feels like hell. Not by ignoring it, but by standing firm with grace upon grace. Take the key of Christ’s promise, unlock every door in Doubting Castle, and fight the good fight.
Conclusion and Prayer
The throne room is wide open. Jesus, our High Priest, King of righteousness and peace, has made a way. So be strong in the Lord and the power of His might. Let’s pray:
Sovereign Lord, enthroned in majesty, holy, holy, holy—you’ve given us access to grace through Jesus’ eternal sacrifice, priesthood, and suffering. Make it clear if we’re part of Your kingdom. Give us boldness to approach You after falling, finding mercy for every need. Grant endurance, courage, and abundant mercy, that we may grow in Christ and not shrink back. Thank You for Your goodness and might. In Jesus’ name, Amen.