Hebrews 5
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Introduction**
Introduction**
For us to move forward into chapter 5, it’s important that we understand verses 14-16 of chapter 4.
For us to move forward into chapter 5, it’s important that we understand verses 14-16 of chapter 4.
With those 3 verses, the author of Hebrews moves into a very important aspect of his argument.
With those 3 verses, the author of Hebrews moves into a very important aspect of his argument.
We studied these verses as a part of chapter 4, but we need to refresh so that we can move into chapter 5.
Seeing then that we have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Hebrews
So, with verse 14 of chapter 4 the author introduces the idea of the High Priest.
With verse 14 of chapter 4 the author introduces the idea of the High Priest.
Now, prior to this, the author told us that Jesus the Son is “better.”
“Better” is a word that is used in reference to Jesus and His ministry over and again in this letter … in fact, 12 times in 13 chapters.
κρείττων kreittōn means “Better.”
So … The “betterness” of Christ and His ministry is consistent as a theme in this letter.
He’s better than the forefathers.
He’s better than the prophets (including Moses)
He’s better than the angels.
And now the author says that Jesus Christ is the better High Priest.
The roads that have led to this point are: Jesus the Son is better (a continuing theme), the importance of faith, and God’s continued work of conforming us.
The roads that have led to this point are: Jesus the Son is better (a continuing theme), the importance of faith, and God’s continued work of conforming us.
And now the author says that Jesus Christ is the better High Priest.
He has made the perfect once-for-all sacrifice and has ascended to the Father.
Because of this, we can hold to what we believe (or hold firmly to the faith we profess - NIV) and we can approach the throne of grace with confidence.
A key idea here is that when we are tempted, and we desperately need mercy … … Because Jesus sits on the throne, we can come to Him for grace to help because we ourselves are weak.
This is incredibly important to the theme of “rest” … because if this were not the case, we would have no rest from works of the law.
But because Jesus was tempted in all points yet without sin, He is able to intercede on our behalf.
(We’ll be on this idea of Jesus as the Great High Priest through chapter 10, which gives us an idea of how important this is.)
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The High Priest also known as Chief Priest or in the Hebrew, Kohen Gadol, had an intercessory role between God and man.
The High Priest also known as Chief Priest or in the Hebrew, Kohen Gadol, had an intercessory role between God and man.
In the sacrificial system that God set up, the High Priest was the main representative between the nation of Israel and God.
In the sacrificial system that God set up, the High Priest was the main representative between the nation of Israel and God.
He was the main representative between the nation of Israel and God.
He was the main representative between the nation of Israel and God.
Moses led Israel, and could be said to have operated in the role of a Priest for a short period.
names Moses as a priest:
Moses and Aaron were among His priests, And Samuel was among those who called upon His name; They called upon the Lord, and He answered them.
In fact, Moses functioned as a priest on several occasions … all before the priesthood was consecrated to serve "after the order of Aaron."
Moses led Israel, and could be said to have operated in the role of a High Priest for a short period before God gave that role to Aaron … he did not operate in the role of High Priest.
So … Ultimately, for Israel, it was Aaron who was the High Priest.
The Tabernacle began at Mt. Sinai, probably around 1446 BC.
The Tabernacle began at Mt. Sinai, probably around 1446 BC.
The Levitical Priesthood served Israel at the Tabernacle.
The Levitical Priesthood served Israel at the Tabernacle.
This priesthood was through the 3 sons of Levi … Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
(Both Moses and Aaron were from the line of Levi from the family of Kohath.)
Special duties were given to each of the 3 lines of priests.
But Aaron and his line were the only ones who could offer animal sacrifices or incense.
And only they had access to serve in the Holy Place and once a year in the Holy of Holies.
To facilitate this, Moses and Aaron and his sons lived on the east side of the camp of Israel, at the entrance to the Tabernacle.
It is interesting to me that the Bible in speaks of the eastern gate being closed.
But then in it says that a future prince will be able to enter through that gate to make a peace offering as a freewill offering.
In Hebrew the eastern gate is Sha’ar Harahamim … which means “Gate of Mercy.”
So, the priesthood was divided into orders and each order had a job to do.
So, the priesthood was divided into orders and each order had a job to do.
When Jesus entered Jerusalem from the Mount of Olives in , He used this gate.
Later, when King David designed the temple, he also reorganized the priesthood into 24 divisions.
And only they had access to the Holy and Most holy place of the tabernacle in service.
It was the duty of the Aaronic priesthood … that is the line of priests of the family of Aaron … to
The gate was sealed up about 500 years ago by the sultan of the Ottoman Empire.
Jewish tradition said that the Messiah would come through that gate, and the sultan sealed it up to prevent that from happening.
It is interesting that speaks of the gate being shut up:
And the Lord said to me, “This gate shall be shut; it shall not be opened, and no man shall enter by it, because the Lord God of Israel has entered by it; therefore it shall be shut.
But then says that there is one person who will will enter through that gate.
“Now when the prince makes a voluntary burnt offering or voluntary peace offering to the Lord, the gate that faces toward the east shall then be opened for him; and he shall prepare his burnt offering and his peace offerings as he did on the Sabbath day. Then he shall go out, and after he goes out the gate shall be shut.
Ezekiel 46:
Later, when King David designed the temple, he also reorganized the priesthood into 24 divisions.
Later, when King David designed the temple, he also reorganized the priesthood into 24 divisions.
Later, hen King David designed the temple, he also reorganized the priesthood into 24 divisions.
These 24 divisions continued down to the time of Christ.
David's high priest was Abiathar.
But because of insurrection he was replaced by Solomon with Zadok as high priest.
This fulfilled the prophecy God spoken through Samuel that the priesthood of Eli (which was through Aaron's son Ithamar) would go extinct.
Zadok, Solomon's high priest, was a descendant of Levi's second son Kohath, thus continuing the Aaronic line in the position of High Priest.
Most scholars believe that from the time of David down to 70 AD it was the descendants of Zadok who were often the high priests.
However, there is very little information about the high priests after the return from Babylon.
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The Levitical Priesthood served Israel at the Tabernacle.
The Levitical Priesthood served Israel at the Tabernacle.
This priesthood was through the 3 sons of Levi … Gershon, Kohath, and Merari.
Special duties were given to each of the 3 lines of priests.
At that time special duties were given to each of the three lines of priests but only the sons of Aaron could offer animal sacrifices or incense.
High priests were appointed for life according to God’s instruction through the line of Aaron.
High priests were appointed for life according to God’s instruction through the line of Aaron.
But at the time of Jesus they were appointed annually by the Romans.
But at the time of Jesus they were appointed annually by the Romans.
This is why we have multiple high priests at the trial of Jesus (Annas and Caiaphas).
Annas was High Priest from 6-15 AD.
Annas was High Priest from 6-15 AD.
Then from 16-30 AD Caiaphas was High Priest.
Then from 16-30 AD Caiaphas was High Priest.
And in 60-63 AD, Ananias was the high priest who tried Paul … as recorded in .
In 60-63 AD, Ananias was the high priest who tried Paul … as recorded in .
The Sadducees originated in about 150 BC and they were linked with Solomon’s priest, Zadok.
The Sadducees controlled the Temple of Herod during the earthly ministry of Jesus.
The priesthood continued down to the destruction of Jerusalem in 70 AD.
At that point it became physically extinct.
But it was rendered spiritually extinct at the death of Christ.
It was replaced by the priesthood of believers in Jesus and the High Priesthood of Jesus.
Moses and Aaron were among His priests, And Samuel was among those who called upon His name; They called upon the Lord, and He answered them.
Moses functioned as a priest on 3 occasions … all before the priesthood was consecrated to serve "after the order of Aaron."
Only the Aaronic priests (Aaron and his sons) were permitted to offer animal sacrifices in the Tabernacle or offer the incense.
The High Priest inherited his role and operated in that role for life.
Before the current era, the High Priest operated in that role for life.
And only they had access to the Holy and Most holy place of the tabernacle in service.
Later, the role was
Later, hen King David designed the temple, he also reorganized the priesthood into 24 divisions.
These 24 divisions continued down to the time of Christ.
David planned for the Gershonites to serve in the temple, guarding the treasury.
He planned for the
David's high priest was Abiathar.
But because of insurrection he was replaced by Solomon with Zadok as high priest.
This was to fulfill the prophecy that the priesthood of Eli (which was through Aaron's son Ithamar) would go extinct.
Zadok, Solomon's high priest, was a descendant of Levi's second son Kohath.
Most scholars believe that from the time of David down to 70 AD it were the descendants of Zadok who were often the high priests.
However, there is little information about the high priests after the return from Babylon.
The Sadducees originated in about 150 BC and they were linked with Solomon’s priest, Zadok.
i. The word Sadducee is etymologically linked to Zadok (Kohathite), who was David's priest.
The Sadducees controlled the Temple of Herod when Jesus was alive.
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Now, the author of Hebrews, starting in chapter 4, calls Jesus Christ the GREAT High Priest.
Now, the author of Hebrews, starting in chapter 4, calls Jesus Christ the GREAT High Priest.
He alone was able to enter the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement.In the time of the wilderness wandering of Israel, Aaron was the “high priest.” But the author here calls Jesus Christ the GREAT High Priest. No Old Testament priest could assume that title. But in what does our Lord’s greatness consist?Well for the next 6 chapters, the author will list a number of reasons why our High Priest is great.A few of them are:Because he has been tempted he can sympathize with us (4:15), but, unlike the earthly priests, he is entirely without sin (5:1–3; 7:26–28). The author will hit more on this in chapter 4 and then chapter 7.Later, in chapter 5, 6 and 7, we are told He has been appointed by an oath from God.We told in chapter 7 that his priesthood is eternal. And in chapter 8 that Jesus was our atonement offering, ushering in a new (and superior) covenant (8:7–13). More so, chapter 9 tells us that the blood of the offering was presented in the heavenly tabernacle rather than the earthly.And unlike the old covenant offering, chapter 10 tells us that His sacrifice only had to be made once for all time.
One thing, though … Jesus was of the tribe of Judah … He was not a Levite.
One thing, though … Jesus was of the tribe of Judah … He was not a Levite.
How does the idea of Jesus being the GREAT High Priest square with this information?
Well, the office of priest as held by the Levites is actually patterned after what takes place in the heavenly sanctuary.
speaks of the priests saying:
who serve the copy and shadow of the heavenly things, as Moses was divinely instructed when he was about to make the tabernacle. For He said, “See that you make all things according to the pattern shown you on the mountain.”
So then, the Levitical priesthood was patterned after Christ’s eternal position as Great High Priest, and not Christ after the priesthood.
The institution of Aaron’s line merely showed us an example of how it worked.
It was a physical representation of a spiritual reality.
But while the representation could offer sacrifices that offered a temporary atonement, they could never offer a permanent, everlasting atonement.
God kept the Levitical priesthood and Jesus’ eternal priesthood in completely separate lines to show us that the law could never make us perfect so we would not rely on it for a means of justification.
In fact, the law was a reminder of sins … and the sacrifices, according to were a reminder of sins.
Moreover the law entered that the offense might abound. But where sin abounded, grace abounded much more,
Paul wrote in Galatians 3:
For as many as are of the works of the law are under the curse; for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who does not continue in all things which are written in the book of the law, to do them.” But that no one is justified by the law in the sight of God is evident, for “the just shall live by faith.”
For the law, having a shadow of the good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with these same sacrifices, which they offer continually year by year, make those who approach perfect. For then would they not have ceased to be offered? For the worshipers, once purified, would have had no more consciousness of sins. But in those sacrifices there is a reminder of sins every year. For it is not possible that the blood of bulls and goats could take away sins.
For whoever shall keep the whole law, and yet stumble in one point, he is guilty of all.
God kept the Levitical priesthood and Jesus’ eternal priesthood in completely separate lines. He did this to show us that the law could never make us perfect so we would never rely on it for a means of justification ( , , , ). Being justified can only come through faith in Christ ( , , ). This is why Jesus had to come from a completely different and separate line. In fact, we cannot even understand Jesus’ office in relation to the Levitical lineage because it is far superior in every way imaginable ( , , , , ).
Being justified can only come through faith in Christ.
Being justified can only come through faith in Christ.
Paul wrote in that the law was a tutor to take us by the hand and lead us to Christ, “But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor” … so that, as says, “we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.”
Do not read below:
Galatians 3:
Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Therefore, having been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ,
Christ has redeemed us from the curse of the law, having become a curse for us (for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who hangs on a tree”), that the blessing of Abraham might come upon the Gentiles in Christ Jesus, that we might receive the promise of the Spirit through faith.
Therefore the law was our tutor to bring us to Christ, that we might be justified by faith. But after faith has come, we are no longer under a tutor.
This is why Jesus had to come from a completely different and separate line.
We’ll find out in this chapter that Jesus is according to the order of a priesthood that pre-dated the giving of the law … not that Aaronic priesthood, but another.
In regard to the Levitical lineage, Jesus’ office is far better in every way imaginable.
This is why Jesus had to come from a completely different and separate line. In fact, we cannot even understand Jesus’ office in relation to the Levitical lineage because it is far superior in every way imaginable ( , , , , ).
This is why Jesus came in the order and with the rank of Melchizedek.
Melchizedek goes back to Abraham and and not only was he High Priest of the Most High God, he was also a King.
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all.
Genesis 14:18-
That Jesus is both Priest and King meant that He had to come through another line than Levi.
Jesus came from Judah and the royal line of King David, because it fulfilled scripture that the Messiah would come from David’s line and rule forever.
Being after the order of Melchizedek, gave Jesus the right to the position of both High Priest and King.
There was no Aaronic priest or Israelite king who could assume both titles … only Jesus.
We’ll talk much more about this as we get into the chapter.
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Other than being a really deep study … What did all of this mean for the readers of this letter?
Other than being a really deep study … What did all of this mean for the readers of this letter?
Well, remember that this letter was written to Jewish believers in Jesus who were being tempted to slide back into the temple and sacrificial system.
Well, remember that this letter was written to Jewish believers in Jesus who were being tempted to slide back into the temple and sacrificial system.
That system was merely the copy and shadow of what is God’s perfect system.
The sacrificial system of the law could only remind of sin but Jesus can justify a person.
The earthly High Priest led a sacrificial system that provided temporary atonement for Israel’s sins by the blood of bulls and rams.
And he led the sacrificial system that provided temporary atonement for Israel’s sins by the blood of bulls and rams.So then, is it possible that the Aaronic priesthood, with all of its sacrifices and ceremonies, could bring a sinner into rest?The Hebrew Christians who received this letter were being tempted to return to the religion still practiced by their friends and relatives. After all … It was a very tangible thing.An Israelite could travel to Jerusalem and see the temple and the priests ministering at the altar. In fact, during the pilgrimage festivals, and for required sacrifices, observant Jews WOULD see these things.It was something real, visible, and concrete.
Jesus is the Great High Priest and the sacrifice that He made provides by grace through faith, the perfect propitiation for sins.
The Aaronic priesthood, with all of its sacrifices and ceremonies, could not bring a sinner into rest.
Instead, it promised more and more work, none of which could bring salvation.
But the priesthood of Christ, which offers salvation by grace through faith and not of works, DOES bring rest.
When a person is going through persecution, as these Hebrew Christians were, it is much easier to walk by sight than by faith.
Some of us here this morning may have doubted the Lord under much less difficult circumstances than these people were enduring.
The central theme of Hebrews is the priesthood of Jesus Christ … what He is now doing in heaven on behalf of His people.
Is the high priestly ministry of Christ superior to that of Aaron and his successors?
Absolutely … For all these reasons and more.
In the writer says more about Jesus’ humanity and its relationship to His present high priestly ministry.
Yes, it is.
In the writer says more about Jesus’ humanity and its relationship to His present high priestly ministry.
For all these reasons and more.
So, let’s investigate together.
Let’s investigate together.
Prayer: Lord, as we embark on today’s study of Your Word, we ask that our hearts would be open to receive all that You have to say. We desire to be hearers and doers and for You to lead us in Your ways. We pray this in Jesus' name. Amen.
v1-4
v1-4
The High-Priest made sacrifices on behalf of the people of Israel, but also for himself … for the High-Priest was a man and was subject to sin.
The High Priest was taken from among men … specifically, from the line of Aaron the Levite … Moses’ brother.
The High Priest was taken from among men … specifically, from the line of Aaron the Levite … Moses’ brother.
And no man could appoint himself as a priest, … let alone appoint himself high priest.
And no man could appoint himself as a priest, … let alone appoint himself high priest.
In , Saul took upon himself the sacrificial duty of the priest and he lost his kingdom.
About to go into battle and unwilling to wait for Samuel, Saul made burnt offerings and peace offerings to the Lord.
And as soon as he had presumed to act as priest, Samuel showed up and pronounced the judgment that his kingdom would not continue.
Korah and his fellow rebels are another example.
They were of the Kohathites tasked to transport the furniture and items of the Tabernacle which had to be covered and carried with poles on their shoulders.
If they touched the items, they would die … thus God provided instructions for them to be carried by poles.
Some of the Kohathites began to disdain this task and to covet the role of the priests.
In , they tried to make themselves priests, and God judged them.
King Uzziah in is another good example.
No man could appoint himself as a priest, let alone as high priest. King Saul invaded the priesthood and lost his kingdom (). Korah and his fellow rebels tried to make themselves priests, and God judged them (). When King Uzziah tried to enter the temple and burn incense, God smote him with leprosy ().
He started out well, but his heart grew prideful.
He tried to enter the temple and burn incense on the altar, and God struck him with leprosy.
Aaron was chosen by God to be the high priest, and he was duly ordained and installed in office ().
This ordination of Aaron and the priests was the third and final time that Moses acted as priest.
Aaron was chosen from men to minister for men.
His main task was at the altar.
He was to offer the sacrifices God had appointed … in chapter 8, the author writes, “every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices.”
Do not read below:
For every high priest is appointed to offer both gifts and sacrifices. Therefore it is necessary that this One also have something to offer.
Hebrews 8
And the High Priest could not just operate any way he wanted … there were rules.
Unless the sacrifices were offered in the right place, by the right person, in the right way … they were not accepted by God.
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The Mosaic Law was given specifically to the nation of Israel.
The Mosaic Law was given specifically to the nation of Israel.
This law was made up of the Ten Commandments, the ordinances, and the system of worship.
This law was made up of the Ten Commandments, the ordinances, and the system of worship.
That system of worship included the priesthood, the tabernacle, the offerings, and the festivals, such as Passover and Sukkot.
The Mosaic Law had a few purposes:
It revealed to Israel the Holy Character of God.
It set apart Israel as a distinct nation.
It revealed the sinfulness of man.
It could not save, but IT DID provide a system of sacrifices to temporarily atone for sins.
It
Along those same lines, it provided a means of worship for the nation.
It gave practical instruction for health, both spiritual and physical.
Because the law revealed sin, but could not save, it revealed man’s need for a Savior.
The law was good … but because mankind is weak in the flesh, God provided the Tabernacle and the sacrificial system to atone for sins.
So then, not only did the law reveal sin, but the existence of a priesthood and a system of sacrifices gave evidence that man is alienated from God.
AND the law was good.
But because mankind is weak in the flesh, God provided the Tabernacle and the sacrificial system to atone for sins.
It was an act of grace on God’s part that He instituted the whole levitical system.
And those sacrifices were pointing forward and dependent on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
And those sacrifices were pointing forward and dependent on Christ’s sacrifice on the cross.
Once His sacrifice was made, there was no more need for further sacrifices because that system was fulfilled.
Once His sacrifice was made, there was no more need for further sacrifices because that system was fulfilled.
Today, that system is fulfilled in the ministry of Jesus Christ.
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Jesus is both the sacrifice and the High Priest.
And He ministers to God’s people on the basis of His once-for-all offering on the cross.
v5-6
v5-6
In the Old Testament physical and spiritual authority were assigned to the head of each household … that is, he was king and priest of the family.
In the Old Testament physical and spiritual authority were assigned to the head of each household … that is, he was king and priest of the family.
This responsibility was inherited down the line by the firstborn.
This responsibility was inherited down the line by the firstborn.
Typically it would be the older that would bear the title of firstborn.
But the Bible records many times when the one who was born first did not have the title of firstborn.
Rather, the title … meaning the responsibilities of authority both physical and spiritual … were given to another son down the line.
For instance, Isaac and Ishmael or Jacob and Esau.
We might look at
Specifically for Israel, this order changed when the priestly duties were appointed by God to the house of Levi.
Specifically for Israel, this order changed when the priestly duties were appointed by God to the house of Levi.
And as we’ve already noted, Aaron was appointed to be the first High Priest.
And as we’ve already noted, Aaron was appointed to be the first High Priest.
Likewise, Jesus Christ did not appoint Himself as High Priest.
Jesus Christ did not appoint Himself as High Priest. He was appointed by God the Father. The quotation in is from . This psalm was already quoted in to prove that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. But the emphasis in is on the priesthood of Jesus Christ, not on His deity. What significance, then, does this quotation have for the argument?
He was appointed by God the Father, however, His priesthood was not of the line dictated by law.
Jesus Christ did not appoint Himself as High Priest. He was appointed by God the Father. The quotation in is from . This psalm was already quoted in to prove that Jesus Christ is the Son of God. But the emphasis in is on the priesthood of Jesus Christ, not on His deity. What significance, then, does this quotation have for the argument?
Jesus was of another order … that of Melchizedek.
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The quotation in is from .
The quotation in is from .
This psalm was also used back in chapter 1 to prove that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
This psalm was also used back in chapter 1 to prove that Jesus Christ is the Son of God.
But the emphasis in is on the priesthood of Jesus Christ, not on His deity.
So then, we might wonder why the author would choose to quote this verse here?
So then, we might wonder why the author would choose to quote this verse here?
The answer to that question is in .
In Acts 13 verses 33-34, the Apostle Paul quoted and explained what it means.
There it reads:
God has fulfilled this for us their children, in that He has raised up Jesus. As it is also written in the second Psalm: ‘You are My Son, Today I have begotten You.’ And that He raised Him from the dead, no more to return to corruption, He has spoken thus: ‘I will give you the sure mercies of David.’
From what Paul wrote, we now know that the phrase, “You are My Son, today I have begotten You,” does not refer to the birth of Christ at Bethlehem, but to His resurrection from the dead.
The phrase, “Today have I begotten Thee,” does not refer to the birth of Christ at Bethlehem, but to His resurrection from the dead.
(The Bible is the best commentary on the Bible … it’s a good hermeneutic rule that will save you a lot of confusion and false conclusions in your own studies.)
In His resurrection, the Son of God was “begotten” … a word meaning, “Brought forth.”
What was Jesus brought forth into at His resurrection?
Well, He ascended to heaven in a glorified body to become our High Priest at the throne of grace.
The Son of God was “begotten” into a glorious new life in His resurrection! He ascended to heaven in a glorified body to become our High Priest at the throne of grace. When Aaron was ordained to the priesthood, he offered the sacrifices of animals. But Jesus Christ, to become our High Priest, offered the sacrifice of Himself—and then arose from the dead!
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When Aaron was ordained to the priesthood, he offered the sacrifices of animals.
But Jesus Christ, to become our High Priest, offered the sacrifice of Himself—and then arose from the dead!
When Aaron was ordained to be priest, it was indirectly done through Moses.
But when Jesus Christ was declared to be Priest, it was spoken forth by God.
Aaron’s was a priesthood of law.
But Jesus’ priesthood pre-dates the giving of the law.
And so, as recorded in verse 6 of our chapter, quoting from , God the Father said, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”
When Aaron was ordained, God did not speak directly to him and declare his priesthood.
But the Father did make this special declaration concerning His Son.
There are 2 important things found in this quote from … things that make Jesus’ priesthood greater.
There are 2 important things found in this quote from … things that make Jesus’ priesthood greater.
Two factors make Christ’s priesthood unique and, therefore, His ordination greater.
First, He is a High Priest forever.
All of the Old Testament priests had an expiration date.
All of the Old Testament priests had an expiration date.
And their priesthood was then passed down to another man.
And their priesthood was then passed down to another man.
Like the word “better,” the word “forever” is an important one in this epistle.
The word “forever” is an important one in this epistle. At least six times the writer affirms that Christ’s high priesthood is forever (; ; , , , ). And, since He is a Priest forever, He gives His people salvation forever ().
Here in chapter 5, again in chapter 6, and then 4 more times in chapter 7, the author affirms that Jesus’ priesthood is forever.
And, makes the point that since He is a Priest forever, the salvation of His people is also forever.
And the second thing that makes Jesus’ priesthood greater is that:
It is according to the order of Melchizedek.
This is absolutely key to the point the author is making, so we should spend some time on it.
They belonged to the order of Aaron; He belongs to the order of Melchizedek. This is a key concept in Hebrews, so we must take time to examine and understand it.
This is a key concept in Hebrews, so we must take time to examine and understand it.
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As students of the Bible, you probably recognize that name Melchizedek.
As students of the Bible, you probably recognize that name Melchizedek.
The name means “King of Righteousness.”
The name means “King of Righteousness.”
He is also called, “King of Salem” … Salem meaning “peace” … so He is King of Peace.
It might mean “King of Righteousness.”
According to and as the author of Hebrews notes in chapter 7, he was both King and Priest of Salem.
According to and as the author of Hebrews notes in chapter 7, he was both King and Priest of Salem.
Do not read below:
to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,”
Or it might mean “My King is Righteous.”
Most scholars today lean more toward “My King is Righteous” as the likely meaning and this is because our understanding of ancient languages has increased.
It really doesn’t make much difference.
According to and as the author of Hebrews notes, he was both King and Priest of Salem.
According to and as the author of Hebrews notes, he was both King and Priest of Salem.
Do not read below:
Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High.
nGenesis
As we saw earlier with Saul and Uzziah, whenever a king took it upon himself to perform the duties of priest, God judged them.
As we saw earlier with Saul and Uzziah, whenever a king took it upon himself to perform the duties of priest, God judged them.
Only in Jesus Christ who fulfilled the law, and in pre-Law Melchizedek were these two offices combined.
Only in Jesus Christ who fulfilled the law, and in pre-Law Melchizedek were these two offices combined.
Jesus Christ is our High Priest and King.
to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,”
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The reason Jesus Christ can be “a Priest forever” is that He belongs to the “order of Melchizedek.”
The reason Jesus Christ can be “a Priest forever” is that He belongs to the “order of Melchizedek.”
The Bible records no beginning for Melchizedek nor the end of his life.
The Bible records no beginning for Melchizedek nor the end of his life.
Some say that Melchizedek and Christ are the same person … that Melchizedek was a Christophany … a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ.
I’ve thought along those same lines as well … but as I have continued to study, my opinion on this has changed.
If Melchizedek was Christ … then the author here is comparing Christ to Christ and that seems to make his point moot.
And says that Melchizedek was, “Like the Son of God.”
So then my thinking on this has changed.
I think Melchizedek was a man of whom the Bible just records no beginning and no end for, only that he had the office of Priest and King as a TYPE or Foreshadowing of Christ to come.
Chapter 7 says
to whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all, first being translated “king of righteousness,” and then also king of Salem, meaning “king of peace,”
But then, how is it that
As far as the Old Testament record is concerned, Melchizedek did not die (see ).
Of course, because he was a real man, he did die at some time; but the record is not given to us. So Melchizedek becomes a picture of our Lord Jesus Christ who is a Priest forever.
But Melchizedek also pictures our Lord as a heavenly High Priest.
Such a thing is not unusual … Joseph was a type of Christ of whom the Bible records no sin … but we know and accept that Joseph was a sinful man.
Wiersbe, W. W. (1996). The Bible exposition commentary (Vol. 2, pp. 291–292). Wheaton, IL: Victor Books.
The Bible records no sin of Joseph in order to preserve that picture of Christ.
And the Bible records no pre-history of and no end to Melchizedek in order to preserve that picture of Christ.
Now, Jesus Christ could not have served as a priest when He was on earth because He did not belong to the tribe of Levi.
Now, Jesus Christ could not have served as a priest when He was on earth because He did not belong to the tribe of Levi.
Jesus was born of the seed of David, the tribe of Judah.
Jesus was born of the seed of David, the tribe of Judah.
So then, He became the sacrifice on earth that He might become the High Priest in heaven.
All of these things will be further developed in .
v7-8 (Don’t read these verses yet.)
v7-8 (Don’t read these verses yet.)
v7-8 (Don’t read these verses yet.)
Before we get to verses 7-8, let’s look back to verse 2.
He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.
Hebrews
Every Old Testament high priest had to minister to people who were “ignorant, and going astray.”
Every Old Testament high priest had to minister to people who were “ignorant, and going astray.”
Every Old Testament high priest had to minister to people who were “ignorant, and … out of the way [wayward]” ().
Every Old Testament high priest had to minister to people who were “ignorant, and … out of the way [wayward]” (). God made no provision but judgment for high-handed sins of rebellion (see ; ). But He did make provision when people sinned through ignorance or weakness. An Old Testament priest could identify with the sinners, since he himself was a sinner. In fact, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest had to offer a sacrifice for himself before he could offer one for the nation! (; )
An Old Testament priest could identify with the sinners, since he himself was a sinner.
An Old Testament priest could identify with the sinners, since he himself was a sinner.
In fact, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest had to offer a sacrifice for himself before he could offer one for the rest of the people.
But He did make provision when people sinned through ignorance or weakness. An Old Testament priest could identify with the sinners, since he himself was a sinner. In fact, on the Day of Atonement, the high priest had to offer a sacrifice for himself before he could offer one for the nation! (; )
And while the Day of Atonement sacrifice covered the penalty for the Israelites' sins each year, they were still affected by the sins they committed each day.
And so other sacrifices were necessary in order for God's people to approach Him for different reasons.
It was dangerous for people to approach God while in a sinful state because of God's holiness.
Sin cannot stand in the presence of God just like shadows cannot stand in the presence of sunlight.
In order for the people to approach God, they needed to perform different sacrifices in order to be cleansed of any sins they had accumulated since the last Day of Atonement.
For the priest to operate in this role with the many sacrifices they would have to make, it was necessary for them to have compassion … and not grow hard-hearted.
For the priest to operate in this role with the many sacrifices they would have to make, it was necessary for them to have compassion … and not grow hard-hearted.
You would think that one sinner would have compassion for another sinner, but this is not always the case. Sin makes a person selfish. Sin can blind us to the hurts of others. Sin can harden our hearts and make us judgmental instead of sympathetic. Remember how heartbroken Hannah, who was praying for a son, was accused by high priest Eli of being drunk? () And when King David was confronted with a story of a rich man’s sin, he had no sympathy for him, even though David himself was a worse sinner ().
No, it is the spiritually minded person with a clean heart who sympathizes with a sinner and seeks to help him (see ). Because we are so sinful, we have a hard time helping other sinners; but because Jesus is perfect, He is able to meet our needs after we sin.
Now, let’s read vv7-8:
who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.
Hebrews
From birth to death, our Lord Jesus experienced what it was like to be human … from temptation to desires to hunger to weakness.
From birth to death, our Lord Jesus experienced what it was like to be human … from temptation to desires to hunger to weakness.
Chapter 4 put it this way:
For we do not have a High Priest who cannot sympathize with our weaknesses, but was in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.
Hebrews 4
And furthering the point, we have these verses 7-10.
The obvious question is, “How could the Son of God ‘learn obedience’?”
And the answer is familiar to us … Jesus learned obedience in the same way anyone must learn obedience: by the experiences of life.
Let’s remember that our Lord, in His earthly ministry, lived by faith in the Father’s will.
As God, He needed to learn nothing.
But as the Son of God come in human flesh, He had to experience what people experience, yet without sin, so that He might be able to minister as their High Priest.
But as the Son of God come in human flesh, He had to experience what people experience, yet without sin, so that He might be able to minister as their High Priest.
He did not need to learn how to obey because it would be impossible for God to be disobedient.
Rather, as the God-Man in human flesh, He had to learn what was involved in obedience.
In this way, He identified with us.
And this even involved the experience of death.
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records our Lord’s experience facing death in the Garden of Gethsemane.
records our Lord’s experience facing death in the Garden of Gethsemane.
It reveals that Jesus was greatly burdened.
It reveals that Jesus was greatly burdened.
That was not entirely due to the physical suffering, but that He would be made sin and separated from His Father.
Something that might be confusing to us regarding our text is that it says that, “with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear.”
Do not read below:
If the Father responded to Jesus’ prayers, then why did Jesus die on the cross?
who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear,
Hebrews
The Greek word εἰσακούω eisakouō (ee-sack-CHOO-oh) means “To listen with the implication of responding.”
If the Father responded to Jesus’ prayers, then why did Jesus die on the cross?
Well, Jesus had prophesied His own death and had made it clear that He was laying down His life of His own free will.
He was well aware of what was going to happen.
In His Gethsemane prayer, our Lord did not oppose the Father, but prayed, “Not My will, but Thine, be done” (). He was not praying to be spared from death, but to be saved out of death. He was praying for resurrection from the dead, and God answered that prayer. He had prophesied His own death and had made it clear that He was laying down His life of His own free will. This ties in with the quotation from , cited in , that promised His resurrection from the dead.
His prayer was an act of obedience to the will of the Father and He prayed, “Not My will, but Yours, be done.”
“Not My will, but Thine, be done” ().
Do not read below:
saying, “Father, if it is Your will, take this cup away from Me; nevertheless not My will, but Yours, be done.”
He was praying the Father’s will … which was not to save Him from death, but to raise Him OUT of death.
And the Father heard and answered.
And this ties back to the earlier quote from verse 5 of … The Son was promised resurrection from the dead.
He was praying for resurrection from the dead, and God answered that prayer.
This ties in with the quotation from , cited in , that promised His resurrection from the dead.
The Old Testament priests under the Law made sacrifices, but none ever made the sacrifice that Jesus did.
The Old Testament priests under the Law made sacrifices, but none ever made the sacrifice that Jesus did.
No one else ever died the kind of death that Jesus died.
Paul wrote in :
2 Corinthians
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
Many people have died because of their own sin, but only Jesus died for the sins of a whole world.
For He made Him who knew no sin to be sin for us, that we might become the righteousness of God in Him.
who Himself bore our sins in His own body on the tree, that we, having died to sins, might live for righteousness—by whose stripes you were healed.
He experienced suffering beyond what we have suffered … and, therefore, He is able to sympathize with us when we are suffering.
The readers of this epistle were going through difficult times, but they had “not yet resisted unto blood” ().
Men have died because of their own sins, but only Jesus died for the sins of a whole world. He experienced the ultimate in suffering and, therefore, He is able to sympathize with His people when they are suffering. The readers of this epistle were going through difficult times, but they had “not yet resisted unto blood” (). Their goods had been seized and they had been ridiculed (), but they had not been crucified and forsaken by the Father.
Their goods had been seized and they had been ridiculed (), but they had not been crucified and forsaken by the Father.
No matter what trials we meet, Jesus Christ is able to understand our needs and help us.
As believers in Christ, we should also not be surprised when we endure suffering at the hands of others … even for the good things we do.
Jesus Himself said:
A disciple is not above his teacher, but everyone who is perfectly trained will be like his teacher.
And when He had looked around at them all, He said to the man, “Stretch out your hand.” And he did so, and his hand was restored as whole as the other.
It should not surprise us then that at times God may put us through various difficulties so that we can sympathize, have compassion for, and better understand the needs of others.
It is also worth noting that sometimes God puts us through difficulties that we might better understand the needs of others, and become able to encourage them (see ).
For we do not want you to be ignorant, brethren, of our trouble which came to us in Asia: that we were burdened beyond measure, above strength, so that we despaired even of life. Yes, we had the sentence of death in ourselves, that we should not trust in ourselves but in God who raises the dead, who delivered us from so great a death, and does deliver us; in whom we trust that He will still deliver us, you also helping together in prayer for us, that thanks may be given by many persons on our behalf for the gift granted to us through many. For our boasting is this: the testimony of our conscience that we conducted ourselves in the world in simplicity and godly sincerity, not with fleshly wisdom but by the grace of God, and more abundantly toward you. For we are not writing any other things to you than what you read or understand. Now I trust you will understand, even to the end (as also you have understood us in part), that we are your boast as you also are ours, in the day of the Lord Jesus. And in this confidence I intended to come to you before, that you might have a second benefit—to pass by way of you to Macedonia, to come again from Macedonia to you, and be helped by you on my way to Judea. Therefore, when I was planning this, did I do it lightly? Or the things I plan, do I plan according to the flesh, that with me there should be Yes, Yes, and No, No? But as God is faithful, our word to you was not Yes and No. For the Son of God, Jesus Christ, who was preached among you by us—by me, Silvanus, and Timothy—was not Yes and No, but in Him was Yes. For all the promises of God in Him are Yes, and in Him Amen, to the glory of God through us. Now He who establishes us with you in Christ and has anointed us is God, who also has sealed us and given us the Spirit in our hearts as a guarantee. Moreover I call God as witness against my soul, that to spare you I came no more to Corinth. Not that we have dominion over your faith, but are fellow workers for your joy; for by faith you stand.
When Charles Haddon Spurgeon was a young preacher in London, his successful ministry aroused the envy of some of the clergy; and they attacked him with various kinds of slander and gossip. His sermons were called “trashy,” and he was called “an actor” and “a pulpit buffoon.” Even after his ministry was established, Spurgeon was lied about in the press (including the religious press); and this was bound to discourage him.
Of course we who are because of Christ able to boldly come to the throne of grace for mercy and grace to help in time of need … should be willing to extend the same to others.
After one particularly scurrilous report in the press, Spurgeon fell before the Lord and prayed, “O Lord Jesus, Thou didst make Thyself of no reputation for me. I willingly lay my reputation down for Thy sake.” From that time on, Spurgeon had peace in his heart. He knew that his Great High Priest understood his need and would give him the grace that he needed for each hour.
v9-10 (Do not read yet)
v9-10 (Do not read yet)
Rewind with me to verse 3:
Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins.
The High Priest, according to the law, made a yearly sacrifice to atone for the sins of himself and the nation, and then many other sacrifices throughout the year because of sins.
But Jesus made a superior sacrifice.
But Jesus made a superior sacrifice.
Since Jesus is the sinless Son of God, there was no need for Him to sacrifice for Himself.
He was in perfect fellowship with the Father.
While the Old Testament priest had to make a sacrifice for himself on the day of atonement before offering sacrifices for Israel.
The Old Testament priest had to make a sacrifice for himself on the day of atonement before offering sacrifices for Israel.
The Old Testament priest had to make a sacrifice for himself on the day of atonement before offering sacrifices for Israel.
The first is that Jesus Christ did not need to offer any sacrifices for Himself. On the annual Day of Atonement, the high priest first had to sacrifice for himself; and then he could offer the sacrifices for his nation (). Since Jesus is the sinless Son of God, there was no need for Him to sacrifice for Himself. He was in perfect fellowship with the Father and needed no cleansing.
Secondly, His sacrifice was once and for all, while the Old Testament sacrifices had to be repeated.
The sacrifices made by Old Testament priests could only cover sins; they could never cleanse sins.
For sin to be cleansed and removed required the sacrifice of the spotless Lamb of God.
This is why verse 9 calls Jesus, “The author of eternal salvation.”
No Old Testament priest could offer eternal salvation to anyone, but that is exactly what we have in Jesus Christ.
Because He is the sinless, eternal Son of God, and because He offered a perfect sacrifice, Jesus Christ is the “Author of eternal salvation” (). No Old Testament priest could offer eternal salvation to anyone, but that is exactly what we have in Jesus Christ. The phrase “being made perfect” does not suggest that Jesus was imperfect! The word means “made complete”; we described it in our study of . By means of His earthly sufferings, Jesus Christ was equipped for His heavenly ministry as our High Priest. He is able to save, keep, and strengthen His people.
Another phrase that can trip us up is, “Having been perfected” in verse 9.
READ vs 9-10 HERE
READ vs 9-10 HERE
Another phrase that can trip us up is, “Having been perfected” in verse 9.
Another phrase that can trip us up is, “Having been perfected” in verse 9.
But this does not suggest that Jesus was imperfect.
But this does not suggest that Jesus was imperfect.
The Greek word τελειόω teleioō means “made complete.”
It’s the same word that is used in the LXX (Greek translation of the OT) in reference to the consecration of priests.
By means of His earthly sufferings, Jesus Christ was equipped for His heavenly ministry as our High Priest.
He is able to save, keep, and strengthen those who belong to Him … that is, those who obey Him.
“All who obey Him” does not suggest possibility of the loss of salvation.
“All who obey Him” does not suggest possibility of the loss of salvation.
It certainly stands to reason that if Jesus is Lord, we respond to Him with obedience.
So, that would be an expected evidence of salvation … obedience to Christ.
But what is that obedience?
But what is that obedience?
Having been saved by grace are we now to place ourselves under law?
No, this is speaking of the state that believers will find themselves in.
The NIV Application Commentary: Hebrews The Path to Appointment (5:7–10)
hypakouo always means “to obey” in the sense of submitting one’s will, understanding, conduct, or allegiance to the will of another.
ὑπακούω hypakouo means “to obey” in the sense of submitting one’s will, understanding, conduct, or allegiance to the will of another.
hypakouo always means “to obey” in the sense of submitting one’s will, understanding, conduct, or allegiance to the will of another.
Quite simply, with Christ as our example, we yield to the will of the Father by yielding to Him and trusting in Him.
Quite simply, with Christ as our example, we yield to the will of the Father by yielding to Him and trusting in Him.
It is difficult to resist the four arguments presented in this section. We must conclude with the writer that Jesus Christ the great High Priest is superior to Aaron. It would be foolish for anyone to return to the inferiorities of the old Law when he could enjoy the superiorities of Jesus Christ. Then why were these Hebrew believers tempted to go back into legalism? Because they were not going on to maturity in Christ! For this reason the writer paused to exhort them to grow up in the Lord; and that is the theme for our next chapter.
v5-6
v5-6
v5-6
The Bible Exposition Commentary Chapter Four: Greater than Aaron the High Priest (Hebrews 4:14–5:10)
Once we have put our faith in Jesus Christ, and thus obeyed His call, we experience His eternal salvation.
Just as Jesus “learned obedience” in his earthly suffering, he calls people to respond in obedience to his will. Just as Jesus persevered, reverently bending his will to that of the Father in spite of extreme suffering, so Christians are called to total abandonment to the divine will; this call does not change with the onslaught of persecution.
Just as Jesus persevered, reverently bending his will to that of the Father in spite of extreme suffering, so Christians are called to total abandonment to the divine will; this call does not change with the onslaught of persecution.
Guthrie, G. (1998). Hebrews (p. 191). Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House.
Once we have put our faith in Jesus Christ, and thus obeyed His call, we experience His eternal salvation.
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Once we have put our faith in Jesus Christ, and thus obeyed His call, we experience His eternal salvation.
So, the argument put forward by the author of Hebrews is convincing … there is no way around it, Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest is superior to Aaron.
So, the argument put forward by the author of Hebrews is convincing … there is no way around it, Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest is superior to Aaron.
It would be foolish to return to the inferior when we have what is perfect.
It would be foolish to return to the inferior when we have what is perfect.
So then, why were the believers which this letter was written to being tempted to do just that?
Well, starting with verse 11, we are given the reason.
It is difficult to resist the four arguments presented in this section. We must conclude with the writer that Jesus Christ the great High Priest is superior to Aaron. It would be foolish for anyone to return to the inferiorities of the old Law when he could enjoy the superiorities of Jesus Christ. Then why were these Hebrew believers tempted to go back into legalism? Because they were not going on to maturity in Christ! For this reason the writer paused to exhort them to grow up in the Lord; and that is the theme for our next chapter.
Melchizedek
It’s because they were not going on to maturity in Christ!
And so the author now stops to exhort them to grow up in the Lord.
For this reason the writer paused to exhort them to grow up in the Lord; and that is the theme for our next chapter.
This is speaking of Christ, who was incarnate in the flesh.
What does it mean by “He learned obedience by the things which He suffered” and then “having been perfected?”
“Since you have become dull of hearing.”
v11-14
v11-14
Babies need milk.
Lots of spiritual babies around then and now.
One mark of maturing is that our tastes become more sophisticated.
But we also require solid foods.
The key to this section of scripture … we could even say, “The heart behind” this section is found in .
The key to this section of scripture … we could even say, “The heart behind” this section is found in .
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised.
that you do not become sluggish, but imitate those who through faith and patience inherit the promises.
This verse very well summarizes the main message here.
This verse very well summarizes the main message here.
We do not want you to become lazy, but to imitate those who through faith and patience inherit what has been promised” (, niv).
This verse summarizes the main message of this difficult (and often misunderstood) section of the epistle. Israel wanted to go back to Egypt; and, as a result, a whole generation failed to inherit what God had promised. They were safely delivered out of Egypt, but they never enjoyed the promised rest in Canaan. We believers today can make the same mistake.
Think back to chapter 4 and how Israel wanted to go back to Egypt, and a whole generation failed to inherit what God had promised.
They never enjoyed the promised rest in Canaan.
We believers today can make the same mistake.
So, the emphasis in this section is on making spiritual progress.
In this section, the writer deals with three topics that relate to spiritual progress.
He wants to go even deeper with them, but they are apathetic and unskilled in God’s Word.
The Greek word is νωθρός nōthros and means lazy and sluggish.
(The latin Bible uses the word “imbecile.”)
So, the author implies that he’s not sure they are ready for what he has to teach them.
Now, think about that.
The writer is about to begin his explanation of the heavenly priesthood of Christ, but he is not sure his readers are ready for what he has to teach. The problem is not that he is a dull teacher, but that they are dull hearers! The word translated “dull” in is translated “slothful” in . It refers to a condition of spiritual apathy and laziness that prevents spiritual development.
Now think about that … we haven’t yet been in the deep end … but we’re headed there!
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The writer is about to begin his explanation of the heavenly priesthood of Christ, but he is not sure his readers are ready for what he has to teach. The problem is not that he is a dull teacher, but that they are dull hearers! The word translated “dull” in is translated “slothful” in . It refers to a condition of spiritual apathy and laziness that prevents spiritual development.
These believers started on their “backward journey” by drifting from the Word.
These believers started on their “backward journey” by drifting from the Word.
What, then, are the marks of spiritual immaturity?
As a result, they were now “dull of hearing”; that is, unable to listen to the Word, receive it, and act on it.
As a result, they were now “dull of hearing”; that is, unable to listen to the Word, receive it, and act on it.
These believers started on their “backward journey” by drifting from the Word (), and then doubting the Word (). As a result, they were now “dull of hearing”; that is, unable to listen to the Word, receive it, and act on it. They did not have the attitude of the Thessalonians: “For this cause also thank we God without ceasing, because, when ye received the Word of God which ye heard of us, ye received it not as the word of men, but as it is in truth, the Word of God, which effectually worketh also in you that believe” ().
One of the first symptoms of spiritual regression is a lazy attitude toward the Bible.
Today we see how Christians pick and choose what they want to hear and believe from the Bible.
They’ll pick a church not on whether the Bible is taught without compromise, but by other things that appeal to them.
As a result Christians are becoming weak in their knowledge and understanding of God’s Word and they are falling for all kinds of craziness.
There are Christians who have been for 10 or more years who know very little of God’s Word.
Pastors are guilty of this, too, in order to preserve what they deem to be success in church.
A 2014 Barna poll revealed that overwhelmingly pastors will avoid teaching certain verses, chapters, … even whole books of the Bible in order to be successful.
What is considered successful?
Well, it’s not uncompromisingly teaching God’s Word.
Instead, it’s attendance, giving, number of programs, number of staff, and square footage.
Sunday School class is dull, the preaching is dull, anything spiritual is dull. The problem is usually not with the Sunday School teacher or the pastor, but with the believer himself.
They ought to be able to teach others … but they can’t.
The recipients of this letter had been saved long enough to be able to share God’s truth with others.
The recipients of this letter had been saved long enough to be able to share God’s truth with others.
But, instead of helping others to grow, these Hebrew Christians were in need of learning again the simple teachings of the Christian life.
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They were experiencing a second childhood!
Look again at verse 12 … they had been able to take solid food, but have regressed … they need milk again.
Look again at verse 12 … they had been able to take solid food, but have regressed … they need milk again.
At one time they were growing up in Christ but they’ve grown down instead.
At one time they were growing up in Christ but they’ve grown down instead.
So, they need a baby food diet.
They should have a mature pallet, but instead, all they can stomach is milk.
That milk is what the writer calls, “The first principles of the oracles of God.”
It’s the elementary principles … the pixels that when viewed all together make the bigger picture.
It’s the elementary principles … the pixels that when viewed all together make the bigger picture.
They could only handle the pixels … they couldn’t grasp what those pixels put together created.
The author sounds harsh, but he’s not putting them down … he’s trying to stir them up!
The author sounds harsh, but he’s not putting them down … he’s trying to stir them up!
We
In regards to what the author is presenting in this letter, the milk would be the basics … what Jesus Christ did on earth … His birth, teaching, death, burial, and resurrection.
So then, the “meat” of the Word is the teaching about our Lord’s ministry now in heaven as our High Priest.
The writer wanted to give this “meat” to them, but they were not ready for it.
We begin the Christian life on the basis of His finished work on earth.
We grow in the Christian life on the basis of His ongoing work in heaven.
Now, that doesn’t mean we cast aside the milk.
We will always have much to learn from our Lord’s earthly ministry.
But we also should continue to make spiritual progress which means we need to learn about Christ’s ongoing priestly ministry for us in heaven.
Of course, even the maturest adult never outgrows milk. As believers, we can still learn much from our Lord’s work on earth. But we must not stop there! We must make spiritual progress, and we can do this only if we learn about Christ’s priestly ministry for us in heaven. (See for a summary of what the Lord wants to do for His people now.)
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As we grow in the Word, we learn to use it in daily life.
As we grow in the Word, we learn to use it in daily life.
As we apply the Word, we exercise our “spiritual senses” and develop spiritual discernment.
As we apply the Word, we exercise our “spiritual senses” and develop spiritual discernment.
It is a characteristic of little children that they lack discernment.
A baby will put anything into its mouth.
An immature believer will listen to anyone claiming to teach God’s Word and they will not be able to identify whether or not he is true to the Scriptures.
Opening Up Hebrews A Truth to Extend You (5:11–14)
Baby Christians are in constant danger from a devil who delights to distract the people of God (see Eph. 4:14). So let God through his Word and Spirit help us to grow up. The world in this century, as in the first, needs to be confronted by a strong, mature church.
Baby Christians are in constant danger from a devil who delights to distract the people of God.
Paul cautioned the
that we should no longer be children, tossed to and fro and carried about with every wind of doctrine, by the trickery of men, in the cunning craftiness of deceitful plotting,
So let God through his Word and Spirit help us to grow up.
The world in this century, as in the first, needs to be confronted by a strong, mature church.
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Now, someone might argue … didn’t Jesus say we are to be as little children?
In , Jesus said:
In , Jesus said:
and said, “Assuredly, I say to you, unless you are converted and become as little children, you will by no means enter the kingdom of heaven.
Matthew
He was not saying we were to be childish … rather we are to be childlike.
And how?
To go before God as a child is to go before God stripped of our sins and doubts, full of wide-eyed inspiration that comes from total faith.
To go before God as a child is to go before God stripped of our sins and doubts, full of wide-eyed inspiration that comes from total faith.
Is God going to be there when I need Him?
A child would say, “Yes!”
That is childlike faith.
We can exercise that childlike faith with spiritual maturity.
We can exercise that childlike faith with spiritual maturity.
Combining childlike faith with adult understanding we have the great message of this chapter … that while Jesus is not here among us in person, He is operating as our Great High Priest and Advocate in heaven.
and adult understanding we know that while Jesus is not here among us in person, He is operating as our Great High Priest and Advocate in heaven.
Let’s pray: Lord, we thank you for this time we have had together worshipping You and studying Your Word. We thank you that You are faithful and Your mercy endures forever. Increase our love for one another and for all, establish us in all things. Keep our minds and our hands from evil and protect us from the deceptions of our enemy the devil. Thank You for being our Great High Priest. Lord, we thank You for that good work that You have begun in us and will bring to completion. Lead us in works that glorify You.
The ability to discern good and evil is a vital part of Christian maturity. The nation of Israel in Moses’ day lacked this discernment and failed to claim its promised inheritance. The readers of this letter were in danger of making the same mistake. It is impossible to stand still in the Christian life: we either go forward and claim God’s blessing, or we go backward and wander about aimlessly.
I once heard a preacher say, “Most Christians are ‘betweeners.’ ”
“What do you mean by that?” I asked.
“They are between Egypt and Canaan—out of the place of danger, but not yet into the place of rest and rich inheritance,” he replied. “They are between Good Friday and Easter Sunday—saved by the blood but not yet enjoying newness of resurrection life.”
Are you a “betweener”?