This verse is beautiful. It is so saturated with significance and meaning that it begs to be unpacked. In full context it reads:
"We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure. It enters the inner sanctuary behind the curtain, where Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."
Who needs a priest? We all do. God is an awesome and holy God. As sinful humans we cannot approach God directly. (The word sin, in Greek, literally means to "miss the mark". We all miss the mark of holiness.) We need a mediator - a priest - to bring us to God.
In the book of Hebrews, the writer identified Jesus Christ as the the priest his readers needed. The readers knew their Jewish history and religion: God had appointed Aaron as the first high priest because their ancestors could not approach a holy God to make offerings on their own. As sinners, they benefited spiritually by having an intermediary. It appears that some Jews at the time had begun to feel hesitant about leaving this familiar religious system. By explaining the work of Christ, the author of Hebrews sought to reassure them. Building on their understanding of the Old Testament preisthood, the writer expressed the good news that they need not return to the old ways since Jesus is the one true high priest. The parallels between Jesus Christ and the Old Testament high priest are unmistakable. It was only the high priest who could enter the Holy of Holies and he could only enter once a year, on the Day of Atonement. Prior to entering, he had to offer a blood sacrifice on behalf of himself and the people. Christ offered His own blood to atone for our sins. He then entered the inner sanctuary behind the curtain on behalf of us all. Christ Himself is the ultimate and final sacrifice needed to cover us and usher us into the presence of God.
In the verse above, the writer combines two vivid word pictures to illustrate what Jesus did. The Old Testament priest entering the inner sanctuary on behalf of the people is the most familiar. The second illustration depicts a ship nearing port, unable to sail into the harbor due to rough water, low tide, or thick fog. An anchor's purpose on a small boat was critical for its safe arrival. It allowed the ship to hold steady or assiduously winch its way safely through the tumultuous circumstances and into the port. Likewise, Jesus entered the harbor before us. He is our anchor of hope, ushering us into God's presence.
{Thanks for reading.}
