“For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.”

If there is any doubt as to the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood and Him as the high priest, this verse is designed to remove it. God was well aware of our need for lasting forgiveness. He was well aware of our need for the complete removal of sin. The first priesthood was given as a temporary measure until the time was proper for the priest we needed to appear. That first priesthood had all manners of problems. It was temporary, and so were the priests. The priests were as guilty of sin as those they represented. The sacrifices they offered were also insufficient for lasting forgiveness.

Because it was fitting that we have a high priest that was not burdened with those problems, God arranged for His own son to come to earth and live a holy, innocent, and unstained life. Two great characteristics elevated Him as such a high priest.

He was separated from sinners. He was tempted just like the rest of us, but He found the way of escape which we did not. Directly tempted by the Devil himself, over and over again, Jesus refused to give in. He was separated from sinners by being sinless. Jesus was innocent. In this regard, He stood alone in the universe of adult humans. Not even a trace of sin in act or thought marred the Son.

Task for Today: Join in the exaltation of Jesus as God places Him high above all else. Jesus sits as high priest at the right hand of God, ever making intercession for His people. Exalt Him above all else in life. Praise Him, the perfect, holy one of God.