The concept of Jesus' priesthood is a central theme in the New Testament, particularly in the Epistle to the Hebrews. This priesthood is presented as superior to the Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament, offering a more perfect and eternal mediation between God and humanity.

1. The Order of Melchizedek

Jesus' priesthood is likened to that of Melchizedek, a mysterious figure who appears in Genesis 14:18-20. Melchizedek, the king of Salem and priest of God Most High, blesses Abram and receives tithes from him. The author of Hebrews draws a parallel between Melchizedek and Jesus, emphasizing that Jesus' priesthood is not based on lineage or the Law but on the power of an indestructible life. Hebrews 7:17 states, "For it is testified: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'"

2. A Better Covenant

Jesus is described as the mediator of a better covenant, established on better promises. The Levitical priesthood was part of the old covenant, which was unable to bring about perfection. Hebrews 8:6 explains, "But now, Jesus has received a more excellent ministry, just as the covenant He mediates is better and is founded on better promises." This new covenant, prophesied in Jeremiah 31:31-34, offers a direct and personal relationship with God, with the law written on believers' hearts.

3. Eternal and Unchanging Priesthood

Unlike the Levitical priests who were mortal and succeeded by others, Jesus' priesthood is eternal. Hebrews 7:23-24 states, "Now there have been many other priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office. But because Jesus lives forever, He has a permanent priesthood." This eternal nature ensures that Jesus is always able to intercede for those who come to God through Him.

4. A Perfect Sacrifice

The sacrifices offered by the Levitical priests were repeated daily and annually, yet they could not fully atone for sin. In contrast, Jesus offered Himself as a perfect and once-for-all sacrifice. Hebrews 9:12 declares, "He did not enter by the blood of goats and calves, but He entered the Most Holy Place once for all by His own blood, thus securing eternal redemption." This sacrifice is sufficient to cleanse the conscience and bring believers into a right relationship with God.

5. Access to the Presence of God

Through Jesus' priesthood, believers have direct access to the presence of God. The veil of the temple, which symbolized the separation between God and humanity, was torn at Jesus' crucifixion (Matthew 27:51). Hebrews 10:19-22 encourages believers, "Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way opened for us through the curtain of His body, and since we have a great priest over the house of God, let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith."

6. Sympathetic High Priest

Jesus, as the High Priest, is able to sympathize with human weaknesses because He was tempted in every way, just as humans are, yet without sin. Hebrews 4:15-16 assures believers, "For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who was tempted in every way that we are, yet was without sin. Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need."

In summary, the superiority of Jesus' priesthood is evident in its eternal nature, perfect sacrifice, and the better covenant it mediates. It provides believers with direct access to God and a sympathetic intercessor who understands human frailty.