But in fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better promises.
Hebrews 8:6 NIV
The author of Hebrews tells us in this chapter that God has established a new covenant with his people. The old covenant involved a fallible and aging priesthood and a physical tabernacle and altar. In contrast to that is the new covenant God has established. Under this covenant, we have a holy and eternal high priest, Jesus, and an altar in heaven. Hebrews offers a contrast between the two covenants and the two high priests. Jesus’ ministry is superior to that of Aaron’s descendants. And the new covenant is superior to the old.
The old covenant was established with Israel on Mt. Sinai during the Exodus from Egypt. The promises involved in this covenant are found in Exodus 19:5-6 and dealt with the people’s relationship with God. But those promises seemed to be primarily concerned with the physical realm; they would be God’s special people and, in connection with the promises to Abraham, involved land and descendants.
But the promises of the new covenant, of which Jesus is the mediator, are superior. Under the new covenant, there is no promise of earthly possessions. Instead, we have the promise of eternal life (1 John 2:25) as God’s children (Rom 8:14-17). I am so thankful for the promises of the new covenant, and for my great high priest who makes that possible.
