Daily Devotions
Hebrews
"First for His own sins..."
Text: Hebrews 7:27
THE WEAKNESS OF HUMAN PRIESTS
The weaknesses of human (Levitical) priests are many. The following text highlights yet another problem of the human system.
“Who does not need daily, as those high priests,
to offer up sacrifices, first for their own sins
and then for the people’s…”
Hebrews 7:27
1. The first high priest (Levitical system)
a) The first high priest was Aaron.
b) He was thoroughly prepared by Moses to assume the grand office of High Priest.
2. A special ceremony had to be conducted to install him as high priest (Cf. Leviticus 8-9).
a) He had to undergo ceremonial washing (Cf. Leviticus 8:6)
b) He had to be anointed (Cf. Leviticus 8:10-12).
c) A sin offering had to be offered on his behalf (Cf. Leviticus 8:14).
d) Aaron had to have his own sins atoned before he could minister as high priest (Cf.
Leviticus 8:34)
A SPECIAL COMMANDMENT TO AARON
Aaron was carefully instructed as to how he was to fulfill his duties as high priest.
“And Moses said to Aaron,
‘Go to the altar, offer your sin offering and your burnt offering,
And make atonement for yourself and for the people.
Offer the offering of the people and make atonement for them,
as the LORD commanded.”
Leviticus 9:7
1. Daily needs
a) Every high priest has to go through the above rituals.
b) He is made fully aware of his own personal and human limitations.
2. His own sins and then the people’s
The book of Leviticus confirms the observations of the author of Hebrews. The human Levitical priesthood cannot be compared to the High Priesthood of Jesus. He is our sinless and perfect High Priest!