The High Priests in the Bible: From Aaron to John the Baptist
The concept of the high priests in the Bible holds great significance, representing a bridge between God and humanity. Over the centuries, high priests played crucial roles in the spiritual lives of the Israelites, leading the way from Aaron, the first high priest, through his descendants, including the notable figure of John the Baptist. In this article, we will explore the lineage, roles, and the unique contributions of these high priests.
1. Aaron — The First High Priest
Aaron, the brother of Moses, was the first high priest appointed by God. His role was central in the religious life of the Israelites. One of Aaron’s primary duties was to offer sacrifices to God on behalf of the people, as outlined in the book of Leviticus. In Leviticus 16, we find a significant event known as the Day of Atonement, where Aaron would transfer the sins of the people onto a scapegoat and offer a sin offering to purify the people from their yearly sins.
2. High Priestly Lineage
Aaron’s priestly lineage was carried forward through his sons and grandsons. These descendants became the priests who continued the sacred duties and traditions established by Aaron. This hereditary system ensured the continuity of the priesthood in Israel. They offered annual sacrifices on behalf of the people of Israel and they would be forgiven from all their sins for that whole year.
3. John the Baptist — A Notable Descendant
John the Baptist, a prominent figure in the New Testament, had a remarkable connection to the priestly line of Aaron. Luke 1:5 mentions that John’s father, Zechariah, belonged to the division of Abijah, one of the priestly divisions established during David’s time.
Additionally, John’s mother was from the daughters of Aaron, further solidifying his priestly heritage. He was fully qualified to represent the people as a High Priest to transfer their sins onto a sacrifice and offer it to the Lord for the forgiveness of their sins. The bible highlights John as greater than any person to ever be born in this world (Mathew 11:11) meaning that he is the most proper representative of all the people. In John 1:6–7 and Luke 1:76–77, we see that all people would come to believe in Jesus and have all their sins removed through John. How so? Because he gave the knowledge of salvation to everyone in John 1:29, that Jesus is the perfect lamb of sacrifice, Who bore all the sins of the world and paid for it.
4. The Role of High Priests
The high priests in the Bible were not just mediators between God and the people; they were responsible for the remission of the sins of the people helping them to remain in God’s favor. God punished the people because of sin and only through the sacrifice for sins should the people gain mercy.
- Offering Sacrifices: High priests were responsible for presenting offerings and sacrifices in the tabernacle or later in the temple, ensuring reconciliation between God and the people.
- Day of Atonement: As mentioned earlier, the high priest, following the procedures outlined in Leviticus 16, performed special rituals on the Day of Atonement to purify the people from their annual sins.
5. John the Baptist — The Last High Priest
John the Baptist stands out as a transitional figure in the history of the high priesthood. His ministry was marked by baptism, symbolizing purification and repentance.
When John baptized Jesus, he played a unique role as the last high priest under the Old Covenant. In a profound way, he transferred the sins of the people onto Jesus, the “Lamb of God.”
That is why he gives the testimony or the witness that Jesus is the Lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world in John 1:28–29.
“Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!”
THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN THE MINISTRY OF JESUS AND THAT OF JOHN THE BAPTIST
6. Jesus as the Ultimate High Priest
Following His baptism by John, Jesus entered the heavenly Holy of Holies as the ultimate High Priest. His sacrifice on the cross became the perfect atonement for the sins of humanity. Through His blood, Jesus secured forgiveness for all who believe in Him, establishing a new covenant between God and humanity.
11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood — and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood — why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. 13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared:
“You are a priest forever,
in the order of Melchizedek.”
18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, 21 but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him:
“The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind:
‘You are a priest forever.’”
22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.
In conclusion, the high priest in the Bible, starting with Aaron and continuing through his descendants, played vital roles in the spiritual life of the Israelites. John the Baptist, with his priestly lineage, marked a transition in this tradition, ultimately leading to Jesus, the heavenly High Priest, who offered the ultimate sacrifice for the forgiveness of sins. Understanding the history and significance of high priests helps us appreciate the fulfillment of God’s plan through Jesus Christ.
