HEBREWS 5 – JESUS, A PRIEST (

)

Our (

) High Priest. (1-10)

(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. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.

Principles of priesthood (

) the Law of Moses.

For every high priest taken from among men: God established both the priesthood and the office of high priest in the days of Moses, as described in Exodus 28 and following. The writer to the Hebrews neatly summarizes the work of the high priest, in saying “that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.” The primary job of the high priest was to officiate, either directly or indirectly through lower-ranking priests, sacrifices unto the Lord*.*

The phrase “gifts and sacrifices for sins” reminds us that not every sacrifice offered a blood atonement for sin. Many of the ritual sacrifices were intended as simple gifts to God, expressing thanks and desiring fellowship.

He can have compassion: Ideally, the high priest was more than a meat-cutter offering animals for sacrifice. He also had compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, and ministered the atoning sacrifices with a loving heart for the people. In this ideal, the high priest had this compassion because he understood that he himself is also subject to weakness.

God made specific (

) to help the high priest to minister with compassion. In the breastplate of the high priest were twelve stones engraved with the names of the tribes of Israel, and on the shoulder straps were stones engraved with the names of the tribes. In this, the people of Israel were always on the heart and on the shoulders of the high priest (Exodus 28:4-30). The intention was to stir the compassion of the high priest.

Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins: God also made specific commands to help the high priest serve knowing that he was also subject to weakness. On the Day of Atonement, the high priest had to sacrifice for himself first, to remind he and the nation that he had sin to atone for, just like the rest of the people of Israel (Leviticus 16:1-6).

And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was: The High Priest was taken from the community of God’s people but was not chosen by God’s people. He was appointed by God for His people. The principle is that no man takes this honor to himself. The office of high priest was nothing to aspire to or campaign for. It was (

) by birth right, and therefore chosen by God. It was an honor no man could take to himself.

The true priesthood and high priest came from a specific line of descent. Every priest came from Jacob, Abraham’s grandson, whose name was changed to Israel. Every priest came from Levi, one of Israel’s twelve sons. God set the tribe of Levi apart as a tribe to serve Him and represent Him to the whole nation of Israel (Exodus 13:2 and Numbers 3:40-41). Levi had three sons: Gershon, Kohath and Merari. Each of these family lines had their own duties. The family of Gershon had care of the tabernacle’s screen (

), fence, and curtains (Numbers 3:25-26). The family of Kohath had care of the tabernacle’s furnishings, such as the lampstand, altar of incense, and the ark of the covenant (Numbers 3:31-32). The family of Merari had care of the boards and pillars of the tabernacle and the fence (Numbers 3:36-37). These families were not properly priests, though they were Levites. The priesthood itself came through Aaron, the brother of Moses, of the family of Kohath. Aaron’s family and their descendants made up the priests and the high priest, those able to serve in the tabernacle itself and to offer sacrifice to God. The high priest was generally the eldest son of Aaron, except if they disqualified themselves by sin (as Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10:1-3) or according to the regulations of Leviticus 21. In this sense, the priesthood was not popularly elected but chosen by God. Man did not appoint the high priest.

There are dreadful cases where men who were not priests presumed to act as priests. These include:

(

), who was swallowed up in a divine earthquake (Numbers 16).

(

), who was rejected from his place as king (1 Samuel 13).

(

), who was struck with leprosy in the temple itself (2 Chronicles 26:16).

Today, we also are (

) from being our own priest. It is great arrogance to think we can approach God on our own, without a priest. But it is also great superstition to think we need any priest other than Jesus Christ Himself. God (

Reveal Answer

) Jesus as a mediator and priest, and we must (

Reveal Answer

) the priest God provides.

“A sinner can undertake to manage nothing towards God immediately, or by himself, but with a mediating priest, who must know God’s mind and perform it… The common sense of mankind about it since the fall doth evidence it; no nation being without a religion, a temple, a place of worship, or a priest.” (Poole)

(5-6) 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.” And he says in another place, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.”

Jesus is (

) to be our High Priest.

Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest: Jesus did not make Himself High Priest. Instead, just as much as Jesus was declared to be the Son (in Psalm 2:7), He was also declared to be a priest forever (in Psalm 110:4).

It is easy to see why the priesthood of Jesus was (

) for early Jewish Christians to grasp. Jesus was not from the (

Reveal Answer

) of Aaron. Jesus neither claimed nor practiced (

Reveal Answer

) ministry in the temple. He confronted the religious structure (

Reveal Answer

) of joining it. In Jesus’ day, the priesthood became a (

Reveal Answer

) institution. The office was gained through intrigue and (

Reveal Answer

) among corrupt leaders.

Today I have begotten You: This refers to Jesus’ resurrection from the dead. At that time He fully assumed His role as our great High Priest, having been perfected (Hebrews 5:9).

Jesus’ resurrection demonstrated that He was not a priest like Aaron, who had to atone for his own sin first. The resurrection vindicated Jesus as the Father’s Holy One (Acts 2:24 and Acts 2:27), who bore the wrath sinners deserved without becoming a sinner Himself.

A priest forever: This is an important contrast. Jesus’ priesthood (like Melchizedek’s) is (

), but no High Priest descended from Aaron ever had a forever priesthood.

Hebrews 7 will more fully develop the theme of Jesus as a High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

(7-8) 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. Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered

The (

) of Jesus, our High Priest.

When He had offered up prayers and supplications, with fervent cries and tears: The agony of Jesus in the Garden of Gethsemane (Matthew 26:36-39, Luke 22:44) proved He struggled with the (

) of obedience, yet He obeyed perfectly.

These prayers were “Most ardent requests, uttered with deep sighs, hands lifted up, and manifold moans, in a most submissive manner.” (Trapp)

This answers the question, “How can this glorious, enthroned Jesus know what I am going through down here?” He knows; obedience did not always come easy for Jesus.

Prayers and supplications: The ancient Greek word for supplications is hiketeria. This word means “an olive branch wrapped in wool” (Clarke) because that is what the ancient Greek worshipper held and waved to express their desperate prayer and desire. Significantly, this supplication of Jesus took place in a garden of olives – and He supplied the “wool,” being the Lamb of God.

And was heard because of His godly fear: Jesus asked that the cup be taken away from Him (Luke 22:42), yet the cup was not taken away. Nevertheless, His prayer was heard because His prayer was (

) to escape His Father’s will, but to accept it – and that prayer was definitely heard.

He learned obedience by the things which He suffered: Though Jesus was God and is God, yet He (

) obedience. God, enthroned in heaven’s glory, can only experience obedience by casting off the glory of the throne and humbling Himself as Jesus did.

Jesus did not pass from disobedience to obedience. He learned obedience by (

) obeying. Jesus did not learn how to obey; He learned what is involved in obedience. Jesus learned the experience of obedience, and part of that learning was enduring suffering.

One thing that God, enthroned in heaven does not know is the experience of obedience. Enthroned in the heavens, God obeys (

) one – all obey Him. The angels must have marveled as they saw God the Son, who added humanity to His deity, actually live out obedience.

He obeyed in the (

) challenges.

He obeyed in (

) life.

He obeyed as a (

), as a teen, as a young man.

He obeyed (

) and He obeyed secretly.

He obeyed God His Father, (

) He obeyed rightful human authority.

Jesus obeyed in (

) things, even to the end.

“Obedience is a trade to which a man must be apprenticed until he has learned it, for it is not to be known in any other way. Even our blessed Lord could not have fully learned obedience by the observation in others of such an obedience as he had personally to render, for there was no one from whom he could thus learn.” (Spurgeon)

He learned obedience by things which He suffered: Suffering was used to teach Jesus. If suffering was good enough to teach the Son of God, we must (

) despise it as a tool of instruction in our life.

Some say that we might learn through suffering; but such lessons are only God’s second best and God really intends for us to learn only by His word, and it is never His real plan to teach us through trials and suffering. But Jesus was never in the Father’s second best.

The Bible never teaches that strong faith will keep a Christian from all suffering. Christians are appointed to affliction (1 Thessalonians 3:3). It is through many tribulations we enter the kingdom of God (Acts 14:22). Our present suffering is the prelude to glorification (Romans 8:17).

(9-10) and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

Jesus, our (

) Savior.

Having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation: Jesus’ experience of suffering – and subsequent resurrection – made Him perfectly suited to be the author (the (

), the (

Reveal Answer

)) of our salvation.

Sometimes when a person dies and leaves an inheritance, it never gets to the intended heirs. Jesus died leaving an inheritance, and He ever lives to make sure His people receive it. “He died, and so made the legacy good; he rose again and lives to see that none shall rob any one of his beloved of the portion he has left.” (Spurgeon)

Some don’t want Jesus to be the author of their salvation. They want to write their own book of salvation – but God won’t (

) it. Only Jesus can author your eternal salvation.

The author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him: This salvation is extended to all who (

) Him. In this sense, all who obey Him is used to describe those who believe on Him – which simply assumes that believers will obey.

Called by God as High Priest “according to the order of Melchizedek”: The emphasis is repeated. Jesus is a High Priest, who was called by God (not by personal ambition), according to the order of Melchizedek. The much to say comes in Hebrews 7.

An exhortation to maturity. (11-14)

(11) We have much to say about this, but it is hard to make it clear to you because you no longer try to understand.

Their (

) of hearing is exposed.

Since you have become dull of hearing: This explains why the writer didn’t go deeper into the topic of Melchizedek right away. He wanted to address some critical basics before going on to more intricate topics, but their spiritual condition made it hard to explain.

He feared the discussion of Aaron and Melchizedek and Jesus would sound too academic and theoretical to his readers. At the same time, he recognized this said more about his dull hearers than it did about the message. It wasn’t that the message was too complicated; it was that the hearers were dull of hearing.

Being dull of hearing is not a problem with the (

), but a problem with the (

Reveal Answer

). The hearer isn’t really interested in what God has to say. Not wanting to hear the Word of God points to a genuine spiritual problem. It can even be a reason for (

Reveal Answer

) prayer, according to Proverbs 28:9: One who turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer is an abomination.

These Christians who felt like giving up with Jesus were also dull of hearing. The dullness usually comes first, then the desire to give up. When the Word of God starts to seem dull, we should regard it as a serious warning sign.

You have become dull of hearing: The word (“

”) is important. It indicates that they didn’t start out that dull of hearing, but became that way. Therefore the writer to the Hebrews warns them again.

Hebrews is a book filled with warnings. These discouraged Christians need to be encouraged and comforted and taught, but they also needed to be warned. They need to be reminded of the consequences of departing from Jesus

(12a) In fact, though by this time you ought to be teachers

Their failure to (

) is exposed.

By this time: According to the time they had been (

) of Jesus, they should have been much more mature than they were.

You ought to be teachers: It wasn’t that these were unique people who should hold a unique role of teaching. Instead, they ought to be teachers in the sense that every Christian should be a teacher.

There is an important sense in which every Christian must be a teacher, because we can all help (

) others. We really only master something after we have effectively taught it to someone else. Teaching is the final step of learning.

You need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God: This isn’t to their credit. It isn’t that the first principles are “beneath” the mature Christian. Rather, the sense is that one should be able to teach one’s self, and remind oneself of these first principles of the oracles of God.

(12b - 14) you need someone to teach you the elementary truths of God’s word all over again. You need milk, not solid food! Anyone who lives on milk, being still an infant, is not acquainted with the teaching about righteousness. But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.

A contrast (

) milk and solid food.

And you have come to need milk: (

) corresponds to the (

Reveal Answer

) principles of Hebrews 6:12. (

Reveal Answer

) food is the “meatier” (

Reveal Answer

) such as understanding the connection between Jesus and Melchizedek. It isn’t that milk is bad; but these Christians should have added solid food to their diet. Peter reminds us all as newborn babes, desire the pure milk of the word, that you may grow thereby (1 Peter 2:2).

For he is a babe: In the ancient Greek, the sense of this phrase is for he has become a babe (Newell). There is nothing more (

) than a true babe in Jesus. But there is nothing more (

Reveal Answer

) and depressing than someone who should be mature but who has become a babe.

Have you become a babe? Perhaps your Christian life is (

). Babies are handed from one person to another, and spiritual babes are tossed to and fro by every wind of doctrine

Ephesians 4:14-16 - Then we will no longer be infants, tossed back and forth by the waves, and blown here and there by every wind of teaching and by the cunning and craftiness of people in their deceitful scheming.Instead, speaking the truth in love, we will grow to become in every respect the mature body of him who is the head, that is, Christ.From him the whole body, joined and held together by every supporting ligament, grows and builds itself up in love, as each part does its work.

How is your personal time with God? Is it stable or unstable? How is your church attendance? Is it stable or unstable?

Have you become a babe? Perhaps you are (

) in your Christian life. Babies each have their own crib that they stick to, and spiritual babies have their particular denomination or church that they think of as “my church.”

Only certain people are welcome in “my” church? I only talk to the same people each week? Who is that?

Have you become a babe? Perhaps you are (

-

Reveal Answer

) by Christian celebrities of one kind or another. Babies are focused on one particular person (their mother), and spiritual babies glory in men.

1 Corinthians 1:12 - What I mean is this: One of you says, “I follow Paul”; another, “I follow Apollos”; another, “I follow Cephas”; still another, “I follow Christ.”

I follow Francis Chan, Billy Graham, Rick Warren, Andy Stanley, Kyle Idleman or is it I follow Jesus.

Have you become a babe? Perhaps you are (

) asleep. Babies need a lot of sleep, and spiritual babies spend much time spiritually asleep.

John 15:4 - Remain in me, as I also remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.

John 15:6 - You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you so that you might go and bear fruit—fruit that will last—and so that whatever you ask in my name the Father will give you.

Are you bearing fruit or are you asleep?

Have you become a babe? Perhaps you are fussy and (

) with others. Babies can be cranky, and spiritual babies will fuss over any little thing.

I don’t like the music, the preacher, the color of the carpet, the seats are uncomfortable, they do not use the right version of the Bible, the kids are too loud and the list can go on and on.

Is unskilled in the word of righteousness: Those who have become babes reveal themselves because they are unskilled in the word of righteousness. We don’t expect brand new Christians to be (

) in the word of righteousness, but those who have been Christians for a time (

Reveal Answer

) be.

Who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil: Our senses are (

) (trained by practice and habit)to (

Reveal Answer

) both good and evil (primarily doctrinally, more than morally). Our senses become exercised when we use them (by reason of use). When we decide to use discernment, we mature.

“We may sharpen our senses by use. When I was in the tea-trade, my sense of touch and taste and smell became acute to discern quite minute differences. We need a similar acuteness in discerning good and evil.” (Meyer)

These Christians demonstrated (

) by both their lack of discernment between good and evil and in their (

Reveal Answer

) of giving up with Jesus. The mature Christian is (

Reveal Answer

) by their discernment and by their unshakable (

Reveal Answer

) to Jesus Christ.

Vincent on good and evil: “Not moral good and evil, but wholesome and corrupt doctrine. The implication is that the readers’ condition is such as to prevent them from making this distinction.”

The ability to discern is a critical measure of spiritual maturity. Babies will put anything in their mouth. Spiritual babes are weak in discernment, and will accept any kind of spiritual food.

Have their senses exercised: It can be said that all five human senses have their spiritual counterparts.

We have a spiritual sense of (

): If indeed you have tasted that the Lord is gracious (1 Peter 2:3). Taste and see that the LORD is good! (Psalm 34:8)

We have a spiritual sense of (

): Hear and your soul shall live (Isaiah 55:3). He who has an ear, let him hear what the Spirit says to the churches (Revelation 2:7).

We have a spiritual sense of (

): Open my eyes, that I may see wondrous things from Your law(Psalm 119:18). The eyes of your understanding (

Reveal Answer

) being enlightened (Ephesians 1:18).

We have a spiritual sense of (

): He shall be of quick scent in the fear of the LORD (Isaiah 11:3, RV margin). I am full, having received from… you, a sweet-smelling aroma (Philippians 4:18).

We have a spiritual sense of (

) or feeling: Because your heart was tender, and you humbled yourself before the LORD (2 Kings 22:19). The hardening of their heart; who being past feeling, have given themselves over to licentiousness (Ephesians 4:18-19).

VIDEO -

Reveal Answer

Discussion Questions

Read verse 1-3

What is the role of high priest?

What does he do on “behalf of men?”

In what field does he work?(in things pertaining to God)

What is his role towards people? How do a high priest’s weaknesses affect his attitude towards those who cares for?

What application is there here for us? How should remembering our own sins and failures affect how we treat others?

What is the chief role of the high priest? (verse 3)

Read verse 4

How does one get chosen to be high priest (1,4)?

Can a person decide he wants to be high priest, then prepare, study, pass some tests, get the top score, and become high priest?

Are there any examples in the Bible of priests that men chose/appointed, but whom God rejected?

Read verse 5-6

What is the relationship between verse 5 and the passage in verses 1-4?

Why is it important that Christ did not choose this role for Himself?

Is there any application we can get from here about our own service or ministry?

Who appointed Christ to this role?

Remembering the theme of Hebrews (Christ’s supremacy), how does God appointing Christ as high priest fit into this overarching theme?

Who is Melchizedek?

What does it mean that Christ is a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek?

What were the key characteristics of Melchizedek’s priesthood?

Read verses 7-10

How did Christ’s suffering/crying/tears help him fill the requirements of being a high priest?

Which event in Jesus’ life might verse 7 be referring to?

How did Christ “learn obedience” since He was already perfect? How was He “made perfect?”

How did Christ’s earthly experiences “perfect” Him as a high priest?

Read verses 11-14

“Concerning him we have much to say.” Who is “him?”

Why is it hard to explain? Was it because the author was not good at explaining such logic?

What does it mean to become “dull of hearing?”

What stage should they have been at in their spiritual walk? What does this tell us about who should become teachers? (Pretty much everyone. It is a natural progression to teach others what we know about Christ.)

How do you understand the analogy about milk and solid food? What would you think of an adult who continued to drink milk as the staple of their diet?

What do you think may have been some of the causes that kept them stuck as spiritual babies?

Are you growing in Christ as much as you would like? Do you sometimes get “stuck” at a certain spiritual level? What are some causes why you don’t grow as much as you should?

What can we learn from verse 14 that is essential for growth in Christ?

How can you begin to partake of more solid food instead of milk? How can you train your spiritual senses and sharpen your spiritual discernment? What can you do to “chew” on the meat of the Word?

What does the end of verse 14 (discern good and evil) show us about what maturity is?