Hebrews 3:1 provides two names for Jesus. Yesterday, we considered why Jesus is called the apostle. Today, let’s look at Jesus as our high priest.

Hebrews 3:1
Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession.

The high priest was the head of the priestly order in Israel. He was the only one who could enter into the presence of God by way of the Most Holy Place in the temple. On the Day of Atonement, following a strict procedure, he entered the Most Holy Place to present an offering on behalf of the people. The purpose of the offering was to atone for, or turn aside, God’s wrath on sin.

The writer of Hebrews explains that Jesus is our high priest. He delivered himself up as an offering. He took on flesh, “fully human in every way, in order that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, and that he might make atonement for the sins of the people” (Hebrews 2:17 NIV).

The death of Jesus on the cross was an atoning sacrifice. God’s wrath for sin was poured out upon Jesus. When we trust in Christ as the One who paid sin’s penalty on our behalf, his atonement is applied to our lives. God’s wrath is turned aside from us because of Jesus’ completed work on the cross. His atoning work gives us eternal life!

Lord Jesus,
Thank you for taking on God’s wrath for sin on my behalf. Thank you for your atoning work.
In your name. Amen.