Chapter 5
-The issue of Christ Jesus’ calling as High Priest is
further developed to teach the people of God His ways. Christ was chosen in
relation to God to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins (Hebrews 5:1). He can
deal gently with our weakness in ignorance and waywardness because He was also
beset with weakness in the flesh out of obligation and love (Ephesians 5:2, Philippians
2:5-8, Hebrews 5:2-3). No one should take honor for himself, but only do their
work when called by God (Hebrews 5:4). Jesus and Aaron were perfect examples of
this the Word says in their appointments (Hebrews 5:4b-6). The author tells how
Jesus, when He was in the flesh, accomplished His duties as High Priest
according to the order of Melchizedek (Genesis 14:18-19, Psalm 110:4). He
offered up prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the LORD who
was able to save Him from death, and Christ was heard because of His reverent
fear of God (Hebrews 5:7). Even though He was a son and co-equal with Deity, He
learned obedience as our example through what He suffered. And, being made
perfect (teleiow, completed,
accomplished, finished, brought to its goal), He became the source (the first
fruits, 1 Corinthians 15:20-23) of eternal salvation to all who obey Him
(Hebrews 8-9). *Application* This section gives us incredible insight as to the
function of Jesus in our relationship to Him as our Lord and Savior. He became
everything for us to purchase our salvation. He came down to our level and gave
Himself up for us on the cross to make reconciliation with God as a payment for
our sins. He gain victory over death with His resurrection since He was indeed
perfect and had no flaws. He is our perfect mediator between us as sinners and
a Holy Righteous God. Jesus made a way to receive God’s grace and forgiveness.
Accept Christ and all He has to offer as our great High Priest!
-The last section of this chapter has some harsh words as
the people have become “dull of hearing (Hebrews 5:11).” These should have by
this time become teachers, but they have stayed immature and basic in
understanding the oracles of God. They needed milk, like a baby, when they
should have graduated to more solid foods in maturity. The solid food is for
the mature believer who has the power of discernment in proper training by
constant practice so as to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:12-14).
*Application* This rebuke serves as the beginning statement as a warning
against apostasy (falling away), which is picked up in the next chapter of
Hebrews (Hebrews 6:1-8). The “dull of hearing” harkens back to the children of
Israel who became obstinate, disobedient, and stiff necked in their dealings
with the LORD (Exodus 32:9, Deuteronomy 31:27, Isaiah 6:9-10, Ezekiel 3:7, Matthew
13:15, Romans 10:21). God has no pleasure in those who shrink back from Him and
have no faith (Hebrews 10:38). We too can be immature if not careful. Go on in
Christ and receive His superior grace, which makes us mature unto salvation and
all good works (Philippians 3:12-15).
Verses to memorize-
Hebrews 5:7, 14
No comments:
Post a Comment