A high priest after the order of Melchizedek
High Priests were established by God for humanity’s benefit. Though God requires no offerings for sin, his love led him to provide a High Priest who could make thank offerings and sacrifices for sin (Hebrews 5:1).
Under Moses’ law, priests could empathize with those straying from righteousness since they too were susceptible to sin. The "ignorant" included those who sinned unknowingly, while those "going astray" erred out of weakness. Notably, there were no sacrifices for willful sins (Numbers 15:30-31). High Priests, including Aaron, dealt with their own sins and those of the people, necessitating offerings (Leviticus 9:7; 16:6). Each High Priest had to be "called of God as was Aaron" (Hebrews 5:3-4; Exodus 28:1; Psalm 105:26). Those who usurped this role, like Korah, were not true High Priests, despite any earthly authority they claimed (Acts 23:5) (Milligan 154).
Jesus, in contrast, did not assume honors for himself (Hebrews 5:5). God bestowed this honor upon him at his resurrection. Psalm 2:7 highlights Christ’s resurrection (Acts 13:33). "Jesus, even though Messiah, did not glorify himself to be made a high priest" (Lightfoot, 108). He did not act on his own authority or seek validation through his testimony (John 5:43, 31).
Christ serves as a priest in the "order of Melchizedek," referenced in Genesis 14:18-20 and Psalm 110:4 (Hebrews 5:6). Scripture omits details about Melchizedek’s lineage, birth, or death, using him as a type of Christ and reflecting the nature of Christ’s priesthood. Melchizedek’s priesthood is eternal, unlike Aaron’s, which was temporary and flawed. Additionally, Melchizedek held both kingly and priestly roles, mirroring Jesus. Christ’s priesthood was confirmed by his resurrection, while Aaron’s was validated through divine miracles, such as the punishment of those challenging his authority (Numbers 16). Jude warns against false teachers who would similarly contest Christ’s authority (Jude 11).
During his earthly ministry, Jesus exemplified humility. In the Garden of Gethsemane, he prayed earnestly, knowing God could save him from suffering and death. His heartfelt submission to God’s will led to the answer of his prayer, which included his crucifixion (Matthew 26:39). This demonstrated his understanding of human weakness, fully qualifying him as our High Priest (Hebrews 5:7).
Jesus ultimately submitted to God’s will at Calvary (Philippians 2:8). He endured profound human suffering, learning the cost of obedience to God, which made him our perfect Savior. It enabled him to offer a sacrifice for sins that leads to eternal salvation for all who obey him. W.E. Vine notes that "author" signifies Christ as the active cause of our salvation. Psalm 110:4 affirms God’s appointment of Christ as High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, fulfilling all requirements of this role (Hebrews 5:8-10).
The complexity of Christ’s priesthood posed challenges, particularly due to the readers’ sluggishness in understanding God’s truth. These Christians had ample opportunities to learn and should have been able to share the good news (1 Peter 3:15). Instead, they regressed, needing someone to teach them the basics of Christianity (Hebrews 5:11-12).
They required milk, the fundamental nourishment of faith, as they lacked experience in God’s word. It was crucial for them to revisit the basics of the gospel to grow spiritually. More profound teachings belong to those who have matured in their faith, having practiced self-discipline and learned to discern between sound and erroneous doctrine (Hebrews 5:13-14).
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