Introduction
Hebrews 5 continues to explore the theme of Jesus as our High Priest. It compares His priesthood to that of the Levitical priests, emphasizing His unique qualifications and the superiority of His priesthood. The chapter also addresses the issue of spiritual maturity, exhorting the readers to grow in their understanding and application of God’s Word.
The Qualifications of a High Priest
Human High Priests
The author begins by describing the qualifications and duties of human high priests. Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, offering gifts and sacrifices for sins (Hebrews 5:1). This role involves mediation between God and the people.
Compassion and Weakness
A high priest is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray since he himself is subject to weakness. Because of this, he must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as for the sins of the people (Hebrews 5:2-3). This recognition of human frailty underscores the need for empathy in the priestly role.
Divine Appointment
No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was (Hebrews 5:4). This emphasizes that the priestly office is a divine calling, not a human ambition.
Jesus, the Perfect High Priest
Appointed by God
Similarly, 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” (Hebrews 5:5, quoting Psalm 2:7). This affirms Jesus’ divine appointment and His unique sonship.
Order of Melchizedek
In another passage, God says, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek” (Hebrews 5:6, quoting Psalm 110:4). This reference to Melchizedek points to a different, superior priesthood that is eternal and not based on lineage.
Jesus’ Suffering and Obedience
During the days of Jesus’ earthly life, He offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission (Hebrews 5:7). This highlights Jesus’ humanity and His deep dependence on the Father.
Learning Obedience
Although He was a Son, Jesus learned obedience from what He suffered. Once made perfect, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:8-9). This perfection refers to the completion of His redemptive work through suffering, making Him the perfect mediator.
Designated High Priest
God designated Jesus to be a high priest in the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:10). This divine appointment underscores the unique and eternal nature of Jesus’ priesthood.
A Call to Spiritual Maturity
Warning Against Spiritual Immaturity
The author shifts to address the readers’ spiritual condition, expressing concern over their immaturity. He notes that they have become dull of hearing and should by now be teachers, yet they need someone to teach them the basic principles of God’s Word all over again (Hebrews 5:11-12). This rebuke highlights the expectation for growth and maturity in the Christian life.
Milk and Solid Food
The author uses the analogy of milk and solid food to illustrate the difference between immature and mature believers. Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. Solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:13-14). This analogy emphasizes the need for deeper understanding and discernment.
Conclusion: Significance and Relevance
Connection to Jesus Christ
Hebrews 5 is deeply connected to Jesus Christ as it highlights His unique qualifications as our High Priest. Unlike the Levitical priests, Jesus is appointed by God, and His priesthood is eternal, in the order of Melchizedek. His suffering and obedience qualified Him to be the perfect mediator, offering eternal salvation to all who obey Him. The chapter underscores Jesus’ role in bridging the gap between God and humanity, providing a perfect and complete atonement for sin.
God’s Love for the World
This chapter demonstrates God’s love by revealing His provision of a perfect High Priest in Jesus Christ. By appointing Jesus, who fully understands human weakness and has overcome it, God provides a compassionate and effective mediator. Jesus’ prayers, cries, and ultimate sacrifice show His deep empathy and love for humanity, reflecting God’s desire for a restored relationship with His creation.
Contemporary Relevance
Hebrews 5 remains profoundly relevant today as it addresses the need for spiritual maturity and a deeper understanding of Jesus’ priesthood. The warning against spiritual immaturity calls believers to grow in their faith, moving beyond basic teachings to a more profound understanding of righteousness and discernment.
The chapter’s focus on Jesus as the perfect High Priest provides assurance of His effective intercession and the completeness of His sacrifice. Believers are encouraged to rely on Jesus, who understands their struggles and has provided a way for their salvation. The call to maturity challenges believers to engage deeply with God’s Word and develop a discerning and robust faith.
Through its focus on the qualifications and superiority of Jesus’ priesthood and the exhortation to spiritual growth, Hebrews 5 equips believers to appreciate the depth of Jesus’ sacrifice and to strive for maturity in their faith. It calls for a response of gratitude, reliance on Jesus as the perfect mediator, and a commitment to growing in understanding and application of God’s Word.