Holy, Innocent, & Undefiled

As we reflect on Hebrews 7:26-28 this week, we are reminded that Jesus is our perfect high priest. The author of Hebrews presents Jesus not only as superior to any earthly priest but as the one who fulfills every divine requirement. He is described as “holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.” Each of these attributes highlights why Christ is the high priest we truly need.

Jesus’s holiness means He is morally pure and completely loyal to God’s covenant. Unlike humanity, who constantly wrestles with sin, Jesus lived a life free from wrongdoing. Romans 7:16-19 reminds us of our struggle against sin, a reminder that we are often tempted to wander from God’s path. Recognizing our frailty yet being anchored in the truth that Jesus remains unblemished invites us into a deeper understanding of grace and reliance on Him.

His innocence stands as a testament to His identity as our Savior. When Isaiah prophesied the coming of the innocent one, he foretold how our waywardness would lead to Christ’s sacrifice. The beautiful exchange—Christ bearing our sins while maintaining His purity—reveals the depth of His love for us.

Moreover, Jesus’s separation from sinners emphasizes that He engages with humanity without being tarnished by it. He stayed among those who needed healing while remaining untouched by their sinfulness. This challenges us to embody a similar stance: how can we be engaged in the world and yet remain distinct?

Finally, His exaltation above the heavens signifies the glorious position He holds after completing his work of salvation. He sits at the right hand of the Father, interceding for us. This should invoke a sense of awe and gratitude, inspiring us to reflect His glory in our daily lives.

As this week unfolds, I challenge you to ponder: How can you reflect the holiness of Christ amid a world that often strays from His ways? Use this week as an opportunity to deepen your relationship with Him through prayer and scripture, allowing His holiness to shape your interactions with others.

Let us remember that our pursuit of holiness is not to earn salvation but as a natural response to the perfect love we have in Christ.