“Get me to a priest….”
Those words probably conjure up a mix of images. For many of us, “priest” brings to mind Roman Catholic clergy, and for Protestants like us that can trigger an allergic reaction—for understandable reasons. Popular culture doesn’t help. On TV the village priest is either improbably saintly, laughably naïve, or secretly sinister.
So when we come to Leviticus 8–10, chapters entirely about priests, we may arrive with baggage, curiosity, or just a weary sigh: are we really still in Leviticus?
Today’s big idea is simply this: a priest is essential. You and I need a priest. And, in a different but real sense, you and I are also priests. These three chapters are long, but they make one powerful point, and we’ll see it under three headings: Functioning Priests, Failing Priests, and Future, Fulfilled Priests.
1. Functioning Priests
Leviticus 8 marks a shift. Instead of regulations, we get narrative. Aaron and his sons are being set apart—ordained—to function as priests. Up to now, priests have been important but largely in the background. Without them there is no sacrifice, no atonement, no functioning tabernacle, and no way to approach God. Now Leviticus slows down to show us who they are and why they matter.
The chapter unfolds in three stages. First is preparation: garments, oil, animals, bread—everything needed is assembled. Second comes ordination. The priests are washed, dressed, and anointed. The clothing is elaborate, underlining how vital their role is. Everything and everyone is marked with oil to show that this is holy work before a holy God.
But there’s a glaring problem. These priests are not holy in themselves. They are sinners. Before they can deal with the sins of others, their own sin must be addressed. So three offerings follow: purification, ascension, and ordination offerings. The message is clear and familiar by now—approaching God is not easy. Without sacrifice, it is impossible.
One striking detail stands out. Blood is placed on the priests’ right ear, thumb, and big toe. This is new. It shows that the whole person, from head to toe, is set apart for God’s service. A priest is a mediator, one who stands between people and God.
Finally, completion. Again and again the text stresses that Aaron and his sons did everything “just as the Lord commanded.” This is life-and-death serious. God is holy, but he is also gracious. His detailed instructions are not to keep people away, but to make safe, joyful access possible.
And it works. In chapter 9 the priests begin to function. The people draw near. Moses and Aaron enter the tent of meeting and come out alive. More than that, the glory of the Lord appears, fire consumes the offering, and the people shout for joy. If you want the presence of God, you need a functioning priesthood—God’s way.
2. Failing Priests
The high point doesn’t last. Leviticus 10 opens with tragedy. Nadab and Abihu offer unauthorized fire, doing what the Lord did not command. The same fire that earlier signaled God’s pleasure now consumes them in judgment.
The contrast is stark. God is holy. He does not change. We cannot approach him on our own terms. Nadab and Abihu prove, painfully, that a mediator is not optional. This passage should sober us. Without God’s appointed priest and sacrifice, we face judgment. Even as believers, it reminds us that worship is not a playground for personal preference. God sets the terms.
3. Future, Fulfilled Priests
The book of Hebrews explains what Leviticus points toward. The Levitical priesthood was temporary and imperfect. Its priests sinned, its sacrifices repeated endlessly, and its ministers kept dying. We still need a priest—one who is perfect, permanent, and whose sacrifice truly pays.
That priest is Jesus Christ. He lives forever, offers himself once for all, and saves completely those who come to God through him. This is why Christian leaders are not priests in the atoning sense. We do not mediate. Christ alone does that.
Yet the New Testament also calls all believers priests. Not mediators, but servants. We are set apart to serve God, represent him to the world, live sacrificially, and offer praise through Jesus.
So, “Get me to a priest!” is the right cry. We all need one. And God has graciously given us the perfect priest and perfect sacrifice in Jesus Christ. Through him we come to God—and in him, we become a people devoted to his service, for his glory and our joy.
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You can watch the whole sermon below, read the full text, download the service sheet (with outline).
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