Hebrews 5:1-10
Hebrews: Truth That Transforms (Series)
Hebrews 5:1-4
Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.
What are the qualifications of a high priest?
1-A priest must be a man to represent humanity.
2-A priest must offer sacrifices.
3-A priest must be able to relate to our struggle.
4-A priest must be appointed by God.
Jesus credentials meet every priesthood requirement.
Hebrews 5:5-6
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.” 6 And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”
This answers points 1 and 4 of Jesus qualifications.
Hebrews 5:7-10
During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, 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. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
These three verses answer points 3 and 2 of Jesus qualifications to be a high priest.
How could Jesus never sin yet sympathize fully with sinners?
That answer is found in the dark shadows of Gethsemane. Jesus became greatly troubled and distressed.
Once Jesus was made perfectly relatable, He became our sacrifice for sins, once and for all.
Jesus refused to question God’s wisdom and trusted in His Father’s love to sustain Him.
Hebrews 4:16
Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.
Psalms 107:27-28
They reeled and staggered like drunkards; they were at their wits’ end. 28 Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress.
There is no situation where we are unable to cry out to the Lord for help and depend fully on Him to experience rest.