The superiority of Christ is the main thought in the first seven chapters of Hebrews. He is superior to the prophets (Hebrews 1:1-3); the angels (Hebrews 1:4–2:18); to Moses (Hebrews 3:1-5); and to Aaron and his Levitical priesthood (Hebrews 5:1-10; 7:1-28). The author shows the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood in a step-by-step manner.

Jesus is qualified to be a priest by virtue of his calling by God and his suffering (Hebrews 5:1-8). He has been called to be a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:9, 10). The priestly order of Melchizedek is shown to be superior by comparing Abraham and Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:1-10). According to Hebrews 7:11-19, three implications follow the fact that Christ has become such a priest: (1) The Levitical priesthood could not make one perfect before God; (2) the Law upon which the Levitical priesthood was based has been annulled; and (3) Christ now provides a better hope, through which we draw near to God.

This brings us to the climactic comparison in Hebrews 7:20-28. Jesus is contrasted with those who served in the Levitical priesthood and is clearly demonstrated as the only intercessor.

Appointed with an Oath
We find at least four points illustrating Jesus’ superiority as the only intercessor, the first of which pertains to his appointment by God (vv. 20-22). Levitical priests were appointed by a command. Beginning with Aaron, he and his descendants served in the Levitical priesthood by divine command (Exodus 28:1-4) but not with an oath. Jesus was made a priest with an oath. The reference is to Psalm 110:4, in which God swore an oath concerning the coming Messiah and his priesthood. A promise joined with an oath really confirms the immutability (unchangeableness) of God’s counsel (Hebrews 6:17). Appointed by an oath and not just a command, Jesus has become a “surety of a better covenant” (American Standard Bible). “Surety” means “guarantor” (English Standard Version). Appointed by such an oath from God, Jesus guarantees the new covenant is better.

Eternal Intercessor
Christ, as the high priest, is also illustrated by his eternal intercession (Hebrews 7:23-25). Levitical priests were limited in service because they were mortals and would die. When one died another took his place, so there needed to be many priests. Jesus, however, lives forever and is always there to make intercession for us. Jesus came according to the power of an endless life (Hebrews 7:16). Therefore he has an unchangeable priesthood. He is able to save to the uttermost those who come to God through him. He can do what the law could not do: make one perfect (Hebrews 7:19). That is, he can make one holy and blameless (Colossians 1:21, 22). He ever lives to make intercession for them. This is an impressive statement because it suggests what Jesus is doing for us now and is most willing to do.

Separate from Sinners
As we continue in our text, we see yet another contrast with Levitical priests—Jesus’ perfect character (Hebrews 7:26, 27). Levitical priests were sinners, some more so than others. But even the best Levitical priest had to offer up sacrifices on a daily basis for his own sins before offering sacrifices for others.

Jesus is sinless. We see our high priest described as holy, harmless, undefiled, and separate from sinners. His preeminent position is higher than the heavens. Thus he does not need to offer sacrifices for himself. This makes him a high priest for us and all humankind.

Permanent Sacrifice
Add to his perfect character another element that shows him as the only intercessor—his permanent sacrifice (Hebrews 7:27). The Levitical priests sacrificed daily. Every day they offered sacrifices for their own sins and the sins of the people. The fact that sacrifices continually had to be offered implies a fundamental weakness in the efficacy of the sacrifices themselves. Later we learn that the problem was the inability of animal sacrifices to make one perfect and to cleanse the conscience of sins (Hebrews 10:1-4; cf. Hebrews 9:9). Jesus offered himself once and for all, implying the efficacy of his sacrifice.

In verse 28, we find a summary statement that contrasts the two priesthoods. The law, upon which the Levitical priesthood derived its authority, appointed men who have weaknesses. They were sinners themselves, and death terminated their service. Their sacrifices could not truly remove sin, so had to be repeated daily and yearly.

The oath, given after the law and the basis for Christ’s priesthood, appointed the Son who has been perfected forever. His humanity and the obedience learned through suffering make him most fitting to be our high priest (Hebrews 2:17, 18; 4:14-16; 5:8, 9). His sinlessness makes the sacrifice of himself the perfect and all-sufficient sacrifice, given once for all! (Hebrews 10:12-14).

Don’t you desire to have such a high priest interceding in your behalf?

As Christians let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need (Hebrews 4:16).

Let us never forget he ever lives to make intercession for those who come to God through him!

* All Scripture quotations are from the New International Version, unless otherwise indicated.