CHRIST IS THE MEDIATOR OF A NEW COVENANT, Ron Ward
A SANCTUARY IN HEAVEN
Passage: Hebrews 8:1~6  
Key verse: 1,2
The High Priest of a New Covenant
8 Now the main point of what we are saying is this: We do have such a high priest,(A) who sat down at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven,(B) 2 and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle(C) set up by the Lord, not by a mere human being.
3 Every high priest(D) is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices,(E) and so it was necessary for this one also to have something to offer.(F) 4 If he were on earth, he would not be a priest, for there are already priests who offer the gifts prescribed by the law.(G) 5 They serve at a sanctuary that is a copy(H) and shadow(I) of what is in heaven. This is why Moses was warned(J) when he was about to build the tabernacle: “See to it that you make everything according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”[a](K) 6 But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant(L) of which he is mediator(M) is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.
Footnotes
- Hebrews 8:5 Exodus 25:40
Cross references
- Hebrews 8:1 : S Heb 2:17
- Hebrews 8:1 : S Mk 16:19; S Heb 4:14
- Hebrews 8:2 : Heb 9:11, 24
- Hebrews 8:3 : S Heb 2:17
- Hebrews 8:3 : Heb 5:1; 9:9
- Hebrews 8:3 : Heb 9:14
- Hebrews 8:4 : Heb 5:1; 9:9
- Hebrews 8:5 : Heb 9:23
- Hebrews 8:5 : Col 2:17; Heb 10:1
- Hebrews 8:5 : Heb 11:7; 12:25
- Hebrews 8:5 : Ex 25:40
- Hebrews 8:6 : ver 8, 13; S Lk 22:20
- Hebrews 8:6 : S Gal 3:20
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Source:  BibleGateway
1. A high priest in heaven (1-2)
We do not need to depend on ritual and ceremonies, nor on animal sacrifices for forgiveness. We may go directly and personally to God in prayer, because our high priest is Jesus. He serves before the very throne of God in heaven. Everyone who believes in him, who has accepted his sacrifice on the cross, may draw near to God in prayer, and someday enter his heavenly kingdom.
2. A superior ministry and covenant (3-6)
Jesus was not a priest when he was on earth. He was not a 'religious' leader. He was a layman and a shepherd. He is the mediator of a better covenant based on better promises, and his ministry is now in heaven, where he prays for us who have claimed his promises and entered into his new covenant. The tabernacle described in Exodus and the temple which took its place in Jerusalem find their real meaning in Jesus and in his heavenly ministry.
Prayer: Lord, thank you for opening the way for me to come to you for forgiveness and new life.
One Word: Jesus is my high priest.