Rather than Moses, Aaron or a Levite - all sinners, all men with weaknesses and subject to death - it is God manifest in the flesh who ministers now. He died once but soon rose and now lives forever. His person is marked by every divine and human perfection. He is “a Son over God's house” not merely its builder and so is worthy of more honour. Further, the covenant he administers is “founded on better promises”. Christ has greater blessings to give and there is a greater certainty of receiving them than was the case under the old covenant.
Christ's administration is also greater and more glorious as regards place and manner. We can think of a number of contrasts.
- Aaron went into an earthly, Christ into a heavenly sanctuary.
- Aaron stood before the mercy seat, Christ is near the Father of mercy himself.
- Aaron wore clothing that spoke symbolically of glory, Christ is now clothed with real and substantial glory.
- Aaron knew God's symbolic presence on earth for a while, Christ is in God's immediate presence in heaven forever.
- Aaron knew a measure of respect and honour from fellow sinners, Christ is adored and honoured by all the holy angels and the spirits of just men made perfect.
- Aaron ministered “a shadow of the good things that are coming”, Christ gives “the realities themselves” (Hebrews 10:1) - the Spirit, righteousness, pardon, grace and eternal life.
- Aaron was under a cloud, Christ “at the Father's right hand, is in the clearest light and brightest glory” (Hurrion).
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