Hebrews is an epistle of superlatives. The words “great,” “greater,” and “greatness” are used sixteen times. The word “better” is used twelve times. Obviously the Holy Spirit is pointing out that Christ’s Person and work goes beyond, and even far surpasses, anything presented in the Old Covenant. The “shadows” of the Law, the priesthood, the histories, and the personalities presented in the Old Testament all pale in comparison to Christ, who is “the substance” of what was foreshadowed (Heb. 10:1; Col. 2:17).

The Law and associated Aaronic priesthood, was annulled because “of its weakness and unprofitableness,” for “the law made nothing perfect” (Heb. 7:18–19). Aaron’s priesthood was unprofitable and weak because its priests were mortal men and sinners (7:23–24). The result of Christ’s priesthood in contrast with Aaron’s was simply this: we are no longer kept at a distance from God, but by this better hope “we draw near to God” (7:19).

A wonderful superlative is brought before us in today’s text: “By so much more Jesus has become a surety of a better covenant.” Not only has Christ introduced something new, but He is the surety of it. A “surety” is one who stands as the guarantor of another (Gen. 43:9; 44:32). He is responsible to fulfill the promise. We can have full assurance in what God has promised because of the greatness of the One who accomplished the work and is the guarantee of its ultimate fulfillment.