This Bible study, “Jesus, Priest Forever,” will delve into the profound reality of Jesus Christ as our eternal High Priest, a truth revealed throughout Scripture. We will explore how the priesthood, prefigured in the Old Testament through figures like Melchizedek and Aaron, finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus. We will examine texts that highlight His offering of the perfect sacrifice – Himself – for the forgiveness of sins, and how He continues to intercede for us before the Father. A crucial understanding for Catholics will be how Christ’s unique priesthood is participated in by ordained priests through the Sacrament of Holy Orders, allowing them to act *in persona Christi* to offer the Sacrifice of the Mass and administer the other sacraments for the salvation of souls.
Throughout this study, we’ll see that the concept of priesthood is deeply rooted in God’s plan for humanity’s redemption. We will analyze the significant differences between the Levitical priesthood and the priesthood of Christ, emphasizing the superiority and permanence of the latter. Recognizing Jesus as our High Priest should strengthen our understanding of the Mass as the re-presentation of Calvary and the Eucharist as truly His Body and Blood. Practically, this understanding fosters a deeper appreciation for the role of priests within the Church, encourages prayer for them, and inspires each of us to offer our own lives as a spiritual sacrifice pleasing to God through acts of charity, obedience, and faithfulness to the Gospel.
Download the full Bible study: 📄 Jesus, Priest Forever: Exploring the Priesthood in Scripture (PDF)