Read Hebrews 8:1–6
We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand
of the throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the
sanctuary, the true tabernacle set up by the Lord, not by man.
Hebrews 8:1–2
There were no chairs in the Old Testament tabernacle because the
work of the priests was never finished. Each repeated sacrifice was
only a reminder that none of the sacrifices ever provided a finished
salvation. The blood of animals did not wash away sin or cleanse the
guilty conscience; it only covered sin until that day when Jesus Christ
died to take away the sin of the world (John 1:29).
Jesus Christ, however, is seated because His work is finished. He is
seated at the right hand of the Father. This great truth was introduced
early in the book of Hebrews (Heb. 1:3), and it will be mentioned
again (10:12; 12:2). This enthronement was the fulfillment of the
Father’s promise to the Son, “Sit at my right hand until I make your
enemies a footstool for your feet” (Ps. 110:1; Heb. 1:13). Not only
did the high priest of Israel never sit down, but he never sat down
on a throne. Only a priest “in the order of Melchizedek” could be
enthroned, for Melchizedek was both king and priest.
Something to Ponder
As you think of Jesus seated in heaven, what are some assurances you
feel that are related to the work He has finished?