Hebrews 10:1-18 — Christ’s Sacrifice Once for All
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As we continue to read references to the old and new law, it seems significant to consider what happened to the Jewish sacrificial system described in arduous detail in the Bible. Historically, the temple was destroyed in Jerusalem (A.D. 70) and ultimately replaced with a mosque. The Jews cannot offer sacrifices anywhere except the temple…and they don’t have a temple anymore, thus, no more sacrifices. During the time of Christ, the Jews to whom Jesus spoke simply could not believe their system of sacrifice would stop or go away. For hundreds of years and through much heartache, bloodshed, trouble and turmoil, the Jews of Jesus’ day fought to preserve the traditions and practices as best they could. For many it was simply too difficult to hear Jesus’ teaching about a new law, a new way to salvation, one that doesn’t require annual pilgrimage and animal sacrifice. In much the same way, many in our current Middle East cannot fathom such a concept. In their minds, the old system must be preserved for the sake of preserving the old system. This endless loop kind of thinking is the core of the problem with the Pharisees. Many had good intentions (hopefully), but most could only see the lists of rules.
Here we have before us phrases like, “The law is only a shadow of the good things that are coming–not the realities themselves” (Hebrews 10:1). They couldn’t believe A.D. 70 would happen and they refused to listen to the Apostles who tried to explain, “He sets aside the first to establish the second. And by that will, we have been made holy through the sacrifice of the body of Jesus Christ once for all” (10:9b-10).
Hebrews was apparently written during the Roman siege and ultimate destruction of the temple. These words provide a new hope for people, “for by one sacrifice he has made perfect forever those who are being made holy” (10:14) and “where these have been forgiven, sacrifice for sin is no longer necessary” (10:18). As they watched hundreds of people slaughtered during the destruction of the temple, we are provided with assurance that this was all foretold and a better plan was already in motion. “He sat down at the right hand of God” (10:12) signifies the work has been accomplished. You don’t sit down until you’re done. Jesus sat down. Done.
The timing of the birth of Jesus is not a coincidence or random act, it was designed and planned from the beginning to provide a better plan for the future. We can’t see 70 years into our future, but we can see that Christ is before us and for all. Lord help us to show people your plan for the future, the plan that will not end!