Hebrews 5:5 – “In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’”
Extended Explanation of the Verse
This verse builds directly on the previous one, which said that no one takes the honor of being a high priest unless God gives it. Here, the writer of Hebrews says the same was true for Jesus. He didn’t give Himself the role or seek glory for Himself. He was appointed by God the Father.
The second part of the verse quotes Psalm 2:7, where God declares, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” This shows that Jesus’ role as High Priest is rooted in His identity as God’s Son. It wasn’t a title He took for Himself, but one that came from the Father’s own declaration.
This verse highlights both Jesus’ humility and God’s authority. Jesus didn’t reach for glory-He obeyed the Father’s will. And the Father affirmed who Jesus is and what His role would be.
Historical Context
In Jewish tradition, the high priest had to be from the line of Aaron and was appointed, not self-chosen. The audience of Hebrews would have understood the weight of being chosen by God for such a role.
The quote from Psalm 2 was already known among the Jews as a prophecy pointing to the coming Messiah-a king who would be called God’s Son. The writer of Hebrews uses this to show that Jesus’ appointment as High Priest wasn’t just ceremonial-it fulfilled Scripture and God’s long-standing plan.
This was especially important to early Christians who were Jewish, because Jesus wasn’t from the tribe of Levi. He was from the tribe of Judah. So Hebrews explains that His priesthood came not by tradition, but by divine appointment.
Theological Implications
This verse teaches us that Jesus didn’t make Himself the Savior or the High Priest. God the Father chose Him for that role. That means Jesus’ work is not man-made-it’s God-ordained.
It also connects Jesus’ priestly work with His divine Sonship. The same Jesus who represents us before God is the eternal Son of God, chosen and sent by the Father. That gives His role unmatched authority and power. This verse confirms that Jesus is not only able to represent us-He is the only one truly qualified to do so.
Literary Analysis
The phrase “in the same way” ties this verse back to verse 4, creating a strong link between the old priesthood and Jesus’ greater priesthood. The contrast between “did not take on himself the glory” and “God said to him” shows humility on Jesus’ part and authority on God’s part.
The quote from Psalm 2:7 is poetic and powerful. It uses relational language-“You are my Son”-to show deep connection and divine approval. The line “today I have become your Father” doesn’t mean Jesus had a beginning, but points to a moment of public declaration or appointment, especially in His role as King and High Priest.
Relevant Biblical Cross-References
- Psalm 2:7 – “You are my Son; today I have become your Father.”
- Philippians 2:6-9 – Jesus didn’t grasp at glory but humbled Himself, and God exalted Him.
- Matthew 3:17 – “This is my Son, whom I love; with him I am well pleased.”
- Hebrews 7:17 – Jesus was declared a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that Jesus is not just someone who decided to help us-He was chosen by God to be our representative. That should give us confidence. We don’t come to God through our own efforts or through a self-appointed leader-we come through God’s chosen Son.
It also shows us the value of humility. Jesus didn’t push His way into a role. He waited on the Father and obeyed fully. We are called to the same posture-letting God lead, rather than grasping for position or recognition.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
God’s love is seen in the fact that He didn’t leave us without a mediator. He chose His own Son to stand between us and Him-not to punish us, but to save us. God could have left us in our sin, but instead He sent Jesus to fill the role we desperately needed.
God’s choice of Jesus wasn’t random-it was personal and powerful. He wanted us to know that the one who stands on our behalf is fully trusted by Him.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
This verse is all about Jesus. It reveals His identity as both God’s Son and the appointed High Priest. He didn’t take on this role for attention or personal glory-He took it because it was the Father’s will, and He came to obey and serve.
By quoting Psalm 2, the verse connects Jesus to God’s plan from the very beginning. He is not only the Son but also the one chosen to rule and to reconcile. Later in Hebrews, this theme will continue with references to Melchizedek, showing that Jesus’ priesthood is eternal and unmatched.
- John 5:30 – “By myself I can do nothing… I seek not to please myself but him who sent me.”
- Hebrews 1:5 – Also quotes Psalm 2:7 to establish Jesus‘ unique sonship.
- Hebrews 7:24-25 – Jesus lives forever and is always able to save completely.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why is it important that Jesus didn’t take the role of High Priest for Himself?
- What does it mean to you that God the Father appointed Jesus to represent us?
- How does Jesus’ humility challenge the way we think about leadership or success?
- How does knowing Jesus is God’s chosen Son deepen your trust in Him?
- What role does obedience play in your relationship with God, as seen in Jesus‘ example?