Hebrews 9:16-28 | What's a lesson for the original audience?

To the original audience, the words that are shared by the writer of Hebrews would be reminiscent of their current times. They know sacrifice. They know the price of blood. They understand the need for the high priest and the intercession that takes place on their behalf. All of these would ring bells of familiarity that draws the reader to a different school of thought. It is not simply that all of these previous things are done away with. They are fulfilled in Christ.

Many have noted that the word fulfilled has less to do with being all done, but more to say it is brought to its fullest capacity. It is like if you are to fill up a tank of gas. The tank doesn't disappear because it has been filled. It is at its fullest capacity. So the same here. The people of God are not left without sacrifice, the cleansing of blood, or a mediator who goes between them and God. The role is now filled to the fullest capacity. The sacrifice was needed only once. The payment of blood is sufficient for all. He now ever lives to make intercession on our behalf.

This spells incredible news to the reader. The payment has been handled. At any point, the individual can come before the Father because of the work of the Son. The mediator they now possess is not held by the typical limitations of man who need to offer continuous sacrifices for themselves in their own impurities. Jesus is perfectly pure. His concern isn't Himself. His concern is us. There is an active mediator in Jesus Christ.

What lesson do you see for the original audience?