Better Promises

"As it is, he has been given a ministry as far superior as is the covenant of which he is the mediator, which is founded on better promises." (Hebrews 8:6)

The above scripture refers to the ministry of Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is priest, king and prophet. Priest, king and prophet describe who he is according to scripture. But what he does for our salvation is his ministry. These are according to scripture: teaching, feeding and healing. In his teaching ministry, he acts as both priest and prophet. As a priest, he is our supreme high priest and sole mediator before the Father.

We are told in Hebrews 8:6 that Christ's mediation is founded on better promises. Which promises? I think of this:

"Take this, all of you, and eat it:

this is my body which will be given up for you.

Take this, all of you, and drink from it:

this is the cup of my blood,

the blood of the new and everlasting covenant.

It will be shed for you and for all

so that sins may be forgiven.

Do this in memory of me."

This promise is the summit of our faith. Christ Jesus gives us himself as our food and drink. What can be more sublime! The foolishness of God is greater than all the wisdom of man, scripture teaches. So is the weakness of God greater than all human strength and power. In the gift of the Eucharist, the "better promise", we see the foolishness and weakness of God made so for our salvation.