Hebrews IX, 24 – literally God’s face is upon
(above) us
is used – that is, it refers to the Passion, Death,
Resurrection and Ascension of Jesus Christ. The Old Testament holy
places were images
, peculiar representatives
, types
, copies
of
heavenly, real ones, that are closely connected with Christ.
Next, we talk about the power of the One Sacrifice of Christ in comparison with the Old Testament sacrifices (in particular, here — directly with the sacrifices of the high priest on the feast of each year once a year).
The ministry of the Old Testament was thus a type, a sign of the Sacrifice of Jesus.
Hebrews IX, 28 — earnestly, with a real desire expect
salvation.
The disciples say that people considered Jesus to be one of the prophets, perhaps the one who precedes the Messiah (especially Elijah). People, not being really close to Jesus, compare Him with those they know better (tested by time and the experience of generations) — with prophets. But the disciples recognize Jesus (in the person of Peter, who confessed it on their behalf, as Orthodox Christians believe) as the Son of God. It is not so easy to understand the concrete meaning of this confession, since only after the Resurrection of Jesus and Pentecost did the disciples fully know Whom Jesus is, but the revelation and acceptance (in particular revealed from Father to Peter), as well as full knowledge and glorification (in the Holy Spirit in power) — it is not the same thing. There is a certain distance between them, which the apostles had to cross (literally and figuratively), and they really passed it with God’s love and their efforts.
In particular, there is a good essay about the further words of Jesus
at the link:
19032023.html
Once again, I draw attention to the fact that the Son is revealed by the Father, in accordance with the fact that the Hypostases (Persons) of the Trinity represent One Another and glorify One Another to others, to people in particular.
There is a good parable on this topic with an explanation at the
link:
https://oleksandr-zhabenko.github.io/uk/theology.at.ua/prytcha.html
The Old Testament holy places and services were prototypes of the New Testament – in particular, the ark – according to general opinion, is a prototype of the Mother of God (and the reading in honour of Her holiday today), and priestly service is a prototype of the Sacrifice and service of Jesus Christ.
The apostle does not delve into the details, they are established rather easily after the above logic becomes clear – he does not delve so as not to distract from the main topic.
Reading on holidays in honour of the Mother of God. Jesus’ words about Mary indicate the virtues of the Mother of God and Her dignity.
At the same time, it is not superfluous to remind that the Lord does not reject or devalue Martha’s work, but wants to highlight the purpose and emphasize the meaning of His communication with them.
The meaning of His communication and friendship with them was primarily not in a well-spent time, not in joy, not in joint activities, work in particular, celebration, hospitality, but first of all – in the fact that it would teach the sisters to fulfill God’s will in the similar way as He Himself fulfills it.
And this last is even more valuable than the opportunity to show human and friendly hospitality at that time. More valuable, because later exactly what they learned from Jesus they will be able to convey to others (in particular, logically and presumably, there were no other witnesses to this situation, except for the Three, and the two sisters who were close to Jesus told about it) . And the Lord said more than once that He came not to be served, but to serve others Himself.
In this sense, these words literally serve as one reading together with the following words about God’s will already in relation to the Mother of God.
Glory be to Thee, our God, glory be to Thee!