During biblical times, the Hebrew high priest had a specific function that set him apart from everyone else. He was the only person who could approach the presence of God within the holiest area of the Tabernacle or Temple on the Day of Atonement on behalf of the Israelites to defer the punishment for their sins. No one else was allowed to enter that area under penalty of death (by God himself, not human punishment).
To reinforce the separation of the sinful Israelites from their holy God, a curtain measuring 60’ high by 40’ wide and 18” thick blocked the entry into the Holy of Holies.
Grain and animal offerings were brought to the priests as sacrifices for various types of sins or for fellowship. The priests, as mediators between the Israelites and God, offered the sacrifices.
Jesus’ crucifixion was the ultimate sacrifice for a permanent redemption of sin; the animal sacrifices had to be renewed each year. The sufficiency of that sacrifice was demonstrated by the sign coinciding with his death, as described in Mark’s Gospel:
Then Jesus gave a loud cry and breathed his last. 38 And the curtain of the temple was torn in two, from top to
bottom. — Mark 15:37–38 (NRSV)
There was no longer any barrier between the people and God. Jesus had bridged the gap caused by our sin.
Because of that one sufficient sacrifice, given once for all time, there is no need for continued animal or grain sacrifices—and the destruction of the Temple in AD 70 has illustrated that aspect. Likewise, there is no need for priests.
Christian clergy use the term, but, quite frankly, it seems to be a misnomer. The Greek term used to describe elders in the assembly, or community of believers, is presbyter (from which we get Presbyterian). The role and responsibilities of presbyters is quite different from those of the biblical priests.
Jesus, by offering that single, sufficient sacrifice is the last, and greatest, high priest. Because he is of the spiritual line of Melchizedek instead of the human line of Aaron, his priesthood is forever and a higher level.
The author of Hebrews describes it (and I highly recommend reading the entire letter, not just the Sunday highlights).
Indeed, the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing until it divides soul from spirit, joints from marrow; it is able to judge the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And before him no creature is hidden, but all are naked and laid bare to the eyes of the one to whom we must render an account. 14 Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who in every respect has been tested as we are, yet without sin. 16 Let us therefore approach the throne of grace with boldness, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. — Heb 4:12–16
The passage begins with indeed (or for, depending on your translation), which indicates the sentence is about to emphasize the point the author just made. In the previous verse, he tells about Jesus resting in Heaven with God the Father, in an eternal state of peace that we can enjoy through obedience to him as a disciple of Jesus.
Eternal Sabbath rest with Jesus and our Heavenly Father awaits us after this life, so we make every effort to be obedient to God’s will as shown to us in the Bible. God’s word has two effects: It shows us how God wants us to behave, and by doing so also shows us where we fall short. Like a double-edged knife it has a dual application.
Knife or dagger is a more accurate description than sword, because we picture swords as a 3-foot long blade used by pirates and swashbucklers. But the word used here is the same one as in Acts 16:27 to describe what the jailer planned to use to kill himself when he thought Paul and the other prisoners had escaped.
It’s also what Jesus tells his disciples to bring, along with a knapsack and money bag, in Luke 22:36. They were the 12 disciples, not the 12 Musketeers. The Roman soldiers would not let Jews walk around with broadswords or sabers strapped to their hips. Daggers, however, are more easily concealed.
Additionally, if you’ve ever separated chicken parts at a barbecue, you most likely used a large knife rather than a rapier. The Gospel reaches deep inside us, where soul and spirit meet, just as a carving knife reaches deep within a Thanksgiving turkey to where the joints and bones are.
When we read God’s word, the Holy Spirit shows us what we’ve done wrong. Despite our efforts to the contrary, there are no loopholes to be found. It cuts right to our hearts and we realize we need a savior, because we have fallen so shy of God’s expectations. Yet because of the sacrifice made on our behalf by our great high priest we are able to enter into peace with God.
And that is good news indeed.
Your Brother in Christ,
Fr. Austin