Copy and Shadow, Heavenly Ministry, and the Better Covenant

Every high priest offers gifts and sacrifices, so Christ’s ministry must also be understood sacrificially. Earthly priests serve what Hebrews calls a copy and shadow of heavenly things, citing Exodus 25:40 and God’s command that Moses build according to the pattern shown on the mountain. Jesus has obtained a more excellent ministry because he mediates a better covenant enacted on better promises. The comparison is one of escalation from God-given pattern to heavenly reality. The earthly sanctuary matters precisely because it teaches categories that Hebrews says reach their goal in Christ.