“But when Christ came as high priest of the good things that are now already here, he went through the greater and more perfect tabernacle that is not made with human hands, that is to say, is not a part of this creation.” – Hebrews 9:11
Hebrews 9:11 Meaning
In this verse, we are told about an important moment in our spiritual understanding and faith. The writer of Hebrews is highlighting the uniqueness and importance of Jesus Christ as our high priest. The mention of Christ as the high priest speaks volumes about His position, His role, and how deeply He connects with us as believers. In ancient times, the high priest had a crucial function within the Jewish community, serving as the mediator between God and the people.
What sets Christ apart is that He entered a ‘greater and more perfect tabernacle’ made not by human hands. This refers to the heavenly sanctuary, the true dwelling place of God. This revelation distinguishes the earthly tabernacle and its rituals, which were merely shadows or symbols of the ultimate reality that Christ represents. By emphasizing this, we are reassured that the work of Christ is not just a temporary fix; rather, it provides a lasting solution to our need for reconciliation with God.
Hebrews 9:11 Commentary and Explanation
As we reflect on this rich verse, we realize it starts with the phrase “But when Christ came.” This signifies a turning point in history. With Christ’s arrival, everything changed. No longer are we bound to the old sacrificial system that required the blood of animals to atone for sin. Instead, we have the perfect sacrifice in Jesus, who offered Himself. The concept of a high priest is deeply rooted in the Old Testament, where the high priest played an essential role in mediating between God and His people, especially during the Day of Atonement.
Additionally, the ‘good things that are now already here’ refer to the new covenant that Jesus established. This new covenant is transformative, where believers can approach God directly, free from the constraints of the old system. Through His sacrificial death, Christ has made it possible for us to have a personal relationship with God. We no longer need to rely on a high priest from the lineage of Aaron to mediate for our sins.
Moreover, the term ‘tabernacle’ evokes thoughts of the original structure built by Moses, which served as God’s dwelling among the Israelites during their journey in the wilderness. The mention of a greater and more perfect tabernacle hints that Jesus did not just fulfill the role of high priest but also transcended the limitations of the earthly tabernacle. Heaven itself becomes the ultimate sanctuary, where Christ serves eternally as our high priest.
This verse invites us to understand the significance of Jesus Christ’s actions. His entrance into the heavenly sanctuary signifies not just a one-time event but an eternal role He plays on behalf of us. It creates a profound sense of hope and assurance for the believer. Even today, we can lean on His mediating power, knowing that He is actively involved in our lives.
So Hebrews 9:11 encourages us to maintain our focus on Jesus and embrace the reality of what He has accomplished for us. He is not merely an ancient figure; He lives now, performing His duties in the perfect town of Heaven. This verse is a reminder of the extraordinary access we have to our Creator through Christ.
Historical and Literary Context of Hebrews 9:11
To fully appreciate the depth of Hebrews 9:11, we must consider the historical context of its writing. The book of Hebrews is believed to have been written to a group of Jewish Christians who were struggling with their faith due to persecution and pressures to return to Judaism. This community faced challenges, as they were torn between their newfound faith in Christ and their traditional Jewish beliefs, including the importance of temple sacrifices and priestly mediators.
In addressing their concerns, the author of Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Christ over the old covenant system. By doing so, he not only reassures the Jewish believers of their faith’s validity but also highlights how Jesus fulfills the intentions of the Law. This verse is situated within a larger argument that seeks to demonstrate how the rituals established in the Old Testament were ultimately pointing to a greater reality found in Christ.
Literarily, chapter nine serves to contrast the old and new covenants, showcasing the inefficacy of the former in comparison to the redemption found in Christ. The author utilizes rich imagery and references to the tabernacle to reach his audience and explain profound theological truths through context they would understand. By describing Christ’s work in this manner, it sets the stage for explaining why His sacrifice is complete and sufficient.
In Old Testament times, the tabernacle was central in the worship of God. It served as a physical structure where sacrifices were made, sin was atoned for, and God’s presence resided among His people. The tabernacle symbolized the connection between God and humanity. Knowing this background allows us to appreciate how the writer uses familiar themes to communicate the radical shift that Christ’s coming ushered in.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Hebrews 9:11
1. Christ Came as High Priest
This part emphasizes Jesus’ role in the heavenly realm. He is our mediator, interceding for us in God’s presence. Just like the Levitical priests had to make sacrifices for themselves and the people, Christ has no such need.
2. Good Things Here
Here, we acknowledge the blessings of the new covenant including forgiveness, grace, and direct access to God. This signifies transformative change for all believers.
3. Greater and More Perfect Tabernacle
This refers to Heaven, where the perfect presence of God dwells. It stands in sharp contrast to the earthly tabernacle, reminding us of the ultimate reality of God’s plan.
4. Not Made with Human Hands
This statement emphasizes the divine origin and authority of this new sanctuary. It highlights that Jesus’ ministry is not based on human traditions or constructions, but rather God’s sovereign will.
Theological Significance of Hebrews 9:11
Hebrews 9:11 has profound theological implications that resonate deeply within our faith. To distill its meaning further, we witness how the old system of sacrifice could never truly eradicate sin. It functioned as a temporary measure to atone for wrongdoing. Yet, the ultimate sacrifice came in Jesus, whose blood cleanses us once and for all. This signifies the beautiful truth that through His sacrifice, our relationship with God transforms completely. No longer are we viewed as outsiders; instead, we are welcomed into the family of God.
Further, we can see that this act of high priestly intercession creates an eternal bond between us and Christ. Because He lives forever, our connection to Him is unbreakable. Hebrews 7:25 reassures us that He “is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” This understanding alters our prayer lives. We can approach God boldly and confidently, knowing that Jesus advocates for us.
This verse encourages us as we face life’s trials. The awareness that we have a high priest who knows our struggles and represents us before God gives us hope. We do not stand alone; we have Christ walking with us. Furthermore, these truths remind us of the assurance of salvation. Because of who Christ is and what He has done, we can rest in the certainty of God’s promise of eternal life, as reflected in John 3:16.
Finally, the call to understand the ‘good things’ is an invitation for us to continually reflect on the blessings bestowed on us. We must embrace the reality of our spiritual inheritance and live accordingly. Our lives should resonate with gratitude for the incredible gift of grace poured out through Jesus and His role as our high priest.
Hebrews 9:11 Cross-References and Related Verses
Matthew 16:24
“Then Jesus said to his disciples, “Whoever wants to be my disciple must deny themselves and take up their cross and follow me.” – Matthew 16:24
This verse underscores the act of surrender as a central aspect of discipleship. Surrendering to Christ requires self-denial, an intentional choice to put aside our own desires, ambitions, and plans.
Taking up the cross symbolizes embracing the challenges and sacrifices that may come with following Jesus. This verse highlights that surrender is not passive but involves actively choosing to follow Christ, even when it requires personal sacrifice.
John 14:6
“Jesus answered, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me.” – John 14:6
This verse exemplifies the exclusive access we have through Christ to God. Every believer can come confidently to the Father through the relationship established by Jesus, further validating His high priestly role.
Our understanding of truth and direction is found through Christ, as He lays the pathway to life eternal. Jesus continually invites us to follow Him into the fullness of life.
Hebrews 4:14
“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” – Hebrews 4:14
This verse perfectly aligns with Hebrews 9:11, reiterating the significance of Jesus as our high priest who ascended into heaven. Our faith is rooted in this reality.
As we hold on to this truth, we are reminded of the importance of maintaining our trust in Christ. He is the source of our confidence and assurance.
Practical Application of Hebrews 9:11
1. Acknowledge Christ as Our High Priest
Let us take time to reflect on and honor Christ as our high priest, recognizing what this means in our daily lives. We can express gratitude for His role and seek to deepen our relationship with Him.
2. Embrace the New Covenant
Understanding that we live under the new covenant encourages us to approach God without fear or hesitation, fully confident in the love and grace extended through Jesus.
3. Share the Good News
As believers, we are called to share the message of Christ’s love and sacrifice with others. By doing so, we participate in God’s mission of reconciliation and hope.
4. Develop a Life of Prayer
With Christ interceding for us, let us prioritize our prayer lives. Engage with God regularly, knowing that our prayers are lifted to Him through Christ’s mediation.
5. Live in Assurance of Salvation
Having confidence in our salvation allows us to live joyfully and victoriously. Embrace the truth that nothing can separate us from God’s love.
Reflection and Devotional Thought on Hebrews 9:11
As we mature in our faith, Hebrews 9:11 serves as a reminder of the unfathomable grace we have received through Jesus Christ. We can take a moment to meditate on the reality of who He is and what He has accomplished for us, as we seek to embody His teachings in our everyday lives.
Let this verse draw us into a deeper relationship with our Savior. Let it spur our desire to reflect His love in our interactions with others. From this understanding, we can begin to transform our communities, honoring not just the gift of salvation but sharing it abundantly with all who need to know Him.
Let us remind ourselves that through Christ, we can access a daily connection to our Heavenly Father. Instead of viewing Him through the lens of religious duty, we can engage in a relationship characterized by love, acceptance, and deep understanding. We must also remember the responsibility as disciples to spread this message, affirming that others too can embrace the blessings of the new covenant through Christ.
Final Thoughts
Thinking through the implications of Hebrews 9:11 can lead us to a place of awe. We are served by a Savior who not only loves us but also advocates for us before God the Father. There is an unmatched comfort in knowing that we are seen, known, and cared for intimately. This should encourage us in our everyday lives. As we journey through each day, let us embrace the hope and assurance found in our relationship with Jesus, who serves as our high priest.
By reflecting on these truths, we can acknowledge the incredible blessings that come from Christ’s sacrifice and action. Let us continue to explore our faith together, understanding and deepening our experience in God through verses like Hebrews 10:19-25, which builds on our understanding of faith and the community of believers. Remember to hold firm to what we profess, knowing that in Christ, we have true life.