Aaron and his sons were not at all suited to meet our need; their qualifications were far short of what is required. A High Priest fully suited to us must have infinitely higher characteristics: “The law appoints as high priests men who have weakness, but the word of the oath, which came after the law, appoints the Son who has been perfected forever” (Heb. 7:28).

First, this High Priest must be holy in character, having unvarying love of good and hatred of evil. Second, He must be harmless in conduct, having no element of disregard for the need or welfare of others. Third, He must be undefiled in contact, not in any measure contaminated by circumstances of corruption. Fourth, He must be separate from sinners in communion, His entire path drawing a clear line of demarcation between Himself and those in a course of sin. All these characteristics are seen beautifully and perfectly in our Lord throughout His walk on earth. None other in all history could even distantly approach Him. Indeed, He stands alone in unique and blessed dignity.

But there is a fifth qualification: He must be “higher than the heavens.” A mere earthly level of priesthood would not do. He must be given a position higher than all others—higher than the angels—with everything being subject to His sublime authority. Thus He can use all things in creation for the blessing of those for whose welfare He is appointed High Priest. His people are most wonderfully cared for!