Worthy art Thou: Hebrews 8:3-6
“3) For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices; so it is necessary that this high priest also have something to offer. 4) Now if He were on earth, He would not be a priest at all, since there are those who offer the gifts according to the Law; 5) who serve a copy and shadow of the heavenly things, just as Moses was warned by God when he was about to erect the tabernacle; for, “See,” He says, “that you make all things according to the pattern which was shown you on the mountain.” 6) But now He has obtained a more excellent ministry, by as much as He is also the mediator of a better covenant, which has been enacted on better promises.” Hebrews 8:3-6
It is not recorded that Jesus Himself ever offered a sacrifice at the temple during His public ministry. Though He was often in the temple it was not to make an offering for sin. He was the sacrifice. He had no personal sin to atone for, He was the atonement for human sin.
Hence, He did not step into an earthly priesthood according to Law. His life was not dedicated to offering sheep, goats and doves on an altar. In fact, He drove the money changers and their animals out of the temple. He had a higher sacrifice and a greater priesthood.
He had a heavenly priesthood to fulfill, not a mere copy or shadow. Jesus was the Lamb of God Who takes away the sins of the world. (John 1:29)
Heaven itself was in attendance for His work on the cross. Revelation 5 teaches that He alone was worthy to fulfill the heavenly requirement.
Let this sink in, the biblical emphasis is not on the sacrifice offered by man, rather it is on the sacrifice accepted by God. Jesus alone was the acceptable sacrifice. He alone was seen worthy to take the book and break its seals.
Read Revelation 5:9 and 12 over and over again until they sink into your soul. He alone is Worthy. No other sacrifice or offering even came close to accomplishing human redemption. The only thing that matters is what happens in heaven and how God responds.
The heavenly chorus sang over and over again: “Worthy art Thou…” He alone is worthy. He obtained a better ministry enacted on better promises.
Daily Bible Commentary By Terry Baxter: Cofounder of GoServ Global