In the context of the new covenant, the analogy of a will is used to illustrate the necessity of Jesus' death for the covenant to be effective. A will, in legal terms, is a document that outlines the distribution of a person's estate after their death. It only becomes active once the person who made it has passed away. Similarly, the new covenant, which promises eternal inheritance and redemption, required the death of Jesus to be enacted. His death was the pivotal event that activated the promises of forgiveness and eternal life.
This analogy emphasizes the sacrificial nature of Jesus' mission. His death was not just a tragic event but a necessary act of love and commitment to humanity. It marked the transition from the old covenant, which was based on adherence to the law, to the new covenant, which is based on grace and redemption through Christ's sacrifice. This understanding helps believers appreciate the depth of Jesus' love and the significance of His sacrifice, which offers a path to reconciliation with God and eternal life.