hebrews 5
Summary
Hebrews 5 focuses on the qualifications and role of a high priest, emphasizing that every high priest is appointed to represent people before God, offering gifts and sacrifices for sins. The chapter explains that Jesus, though divine, learned obedience through suffering and was appointed by God as a High Priest after the order of Melchisedec. The writer also expresses concern that the audience has become spiritually dull and slow to understand deeper truths, urging them to grow in maturity.
Key Points
Every high priest is taken from among men and ordained for men in things pertaining to God, to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins (Hebrews 5:1).
A high priest can have compassion on the ignorant and those who go astray, because he himself is also subject to weakness (Hebrews 5:2).
No man takes the honor of high priesthood upon himself, but he is called by God, as Aaron was (Hebrews 5:4).
Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but was appointed by God, who said, “Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee” (Hebrews 5:5).
Jesus was called a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec, signifying a unique and eternal priesthood (Hebrews 5:6).
In the days of His flesh, Jesus offered prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears, and was heard because of His godly fear (Hebrews 5:7).
Though He was the Son, Jesus learned obedience by the things which He suffered (Hebrews 5:8).
Being made perfect, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9).
Jesus was called by God as a High Priest after the order of Melchisedec (Hebrews 5:10).
The writer expresses concern that the audience is dull of hearing and not ready for deeper teaching (Hebrews 5:11).
By this time, they ought to be teachers, but still need someone to teach them the basic principles of God’s Word (Hebrews 5:12).
Everyone who uses milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe (Hebrews 5:13).
Strong meat belongs to those who are mature, who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil (Hebrews 5:14).
New Covenant Reflections
Christ’s Divine Appointment: Jesus did not appoint Himself but was chosen by God, fulfilling the New Covenant promise of a perfect and eternal High Priest (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:24–25).
Obedience Through Suffering: Jesus’ suffering was not a sign of weakness but a path to perfect obedience, showing believers how to endure trials faithfully (Philippians 2:8; 1 Peter 2:21).
Spiritual Maturity: The call to move beyond spiritual infancy reflects the New Covenant emphasis on growing in grace and knowledge of Christ (2 Peter 3:18; Ephesians 4:13–15).
Discernment Through Practice: Mature believers are those who consistently apply God’s Word, developing discernment and wisdom in daily life (James 1:22–25; Romans 12:2).