For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this, he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins, just as he does for those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he also says in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” In the days of his flesh, uJesus1 offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. –Hewbrews 5:1-10
We must approach God in a way that understands and believes that only Christ Jesus can represent us before the Father. There is continuity between the high priest in the Old Testament and the great high priest, Christ Jesus. Aaron was a man Called by God to represent the children of Israel before the Father. Christ was and is a man called by His Father to build a bridge between each of us and the Father. On the other hand, Aaron was only a man; Christ became the only God-made, the incarnate Son of God.
Christ became fully human and could identify with our weaknesses. However, as Holy God in the flesh, He did not have to “make an offering for his sins as Aaron did (verse 3). Though tempted just as we are, Christ never sinned. Furthermore, Aaron died and ceased to be a high priest, but Christ rose from the grave and became the permanent “high priest according to the order of Melchizedek” (verse 10). The author of Hebrews wisely made these similarities and contrasts clear, particularly to Jews attempting to bridge the gap in their theological perspectives between the old and the new covenant. It was not an easy step for them to discard the sacrificial system established by God and to replace the blood of animals with Christ Jesus, “the Lamb of God, who takes away the sins of the world!” But for each of us to have eternal life, there must be a decision that has to be made.
Blessings–Pastor Christopher
- Why do many people who profess to believe not look to Christ as a role model?
- How is your prayer life? Bible study?
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