Hebrews 4:14-16
Jesus Is the Great High Priest
We have a great high priest. He has gone up into heaven. He is Jesus the Son of God. So let us hold firmly to what we say we believe. We have a high priest who can feel it when we are weak and hurting. We have a high priest who has been tempted in every way, just as we are. But he did not sin. So let us boldly approach God’s throne of grace. Then we will receive mercy. We will find grace to help us when we need it.
Hebrews 5:1-10
Every high priest is chosen from among the people. He is appointed to act for the people. He acts for them in whatever has to do with God. He offers gifts and sacrifices for their sins. Some people have gone astray without knowing it. He is able to deal gently with them. He can do that because he himself is weak. That’s why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins. He must also do it for the sins of the people. And no one can take this honor for himself. Instead, he receives it when he is appointed by God. That is just how it was for Aaron.
It was the same for Christ. He did not take for himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,
“You are my Son.
Today I have become your Father.” (Psalm 2:7)
In another place God said,
“You are a priest forever,
just like Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4)
Jesus prayed while he lived on earth. He made his appeal with sincere cries and tears. He prayed to the God who could save him from death. God answered Jesus because he truly honored God. Jesus was God’s Son. But by suffering he learned what it means to obey. In this way he was made perfect. Eternal salvation comes from him. He saves all those who obey him. God appointed him to be the high priest, just like Melchizedek.
