Hebrews 5
Hebrews 5 focuses primarily on the priestly role of Jesus Christ as our high priest. The author explains how Jesus’ ministry surpasses and fulfills the high-priest system of the Old Testament. He also expresses concern that readers may find it difficult to accept this lesson easily, and concludes with an exhortation for spiritual growth.
1verseFor every high priest, being taken from among men, is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
2verseThe high priest can deal gently with those who are ignorant and going astray, because he himself is also surrounded with weakness.
3verseBecause of this, he must offer sacrifices for sins for the people, as well as for himself.
4verseNobody takes this honor on himself, but he is called by God, just like Aaron was.
5verseSo also Christ didn’t glorify himself to be made a high priest, but it was he who said to him, “You are my Son. Today I have become your father.”
6verseAs he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”
7verseHe, in the days of his flesh, having offered up prayers and petitions with strong crying and tears to him who was able to save him from death, and having been heard for his godly fear,
8versethough he was a Son, yet learned obedience by the things which he suffered.
9verseHaving been made perfect, he became to all of those who obey him the author of eternal salvation,
10versenamed by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
11verseAbout him we have many words to say, and hard to interpret, seeing you have become dull of hearing.
12verseFor although by this time you should be teachers, you again need to have someone teach you the rudiments of the first principles of the revelations of God. You have come to need milk, and not solid food.
13verseFor everyone who lives on milk is not experienced in the word of righteousness, for he is a baby.
14verseBut solid food is for those who are full grown, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern good and evil.
Qualifications and Role of the High Priest (5:1-4)
- Every high priest is appointed among people, and serves as an intermediary in bringing them to God.
- The high priest also has weakness; he is compelled to offer sacrifices for the sins of both the people and himself.
- This office is not taken up on one’s own, but emphasizes that it must be called for by God alone.
The Priestly Office of Jesus Christ (5:5-10)
- Jesus does not take glory upon Himself; God appoints Him as a priest(5:5-6).
- By His obedience to God, Jesus experienced suffering, was made complete, and became the source of eternal salvation(5:7-9).
- His priestly office is said to follow the order of Melchizedek, which is addressed in more detail later.
A Call to Maturity (5:11-14)
- The readers are rebuked for staying at the foundation even though they should already have grown in their faith.
- Like children who need only milk instead of solid food, they are pointed out as being immature in understanding and putting into practice the meaning of deep teachings.
- Solid food is for those who are trained—those who use their senses to distinguish good from evil.
Points for Reflection
- How can we reflect on the fact that Jesus sympathizes with our weaknesses and has accomplished complete salvation through perfect obedience?
- We can look back to see where I am now in the depth of God’s Word and my faith, and whether I am moving forward toward maturity.
Try Applying It to Yourself
- Remembering that Jesus Himself suffered and became our perfect high priest, I can trust Him in every situation of my life.
- I should not remain like an infant in faith, but I can decide what to practice specifically in order to become a mature Christian who not only reflects more deeply on God’s Word but also distinguishes good from evil.
