Hebrews 5
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· 4 viewsThe text provides an in-depth exploration of Hebrews 5, focusing on the qualifications and functions of the high priest in the Old Covenant and how Jesus Christ perfectly fulfills this role, while emphasizing the need for spiritual maturity in believers.
Notes
Transcript
Context
The book of Hebrews is traditionally considered to have been written for a Jewish-Christian audience, who were familiar with the Old Testament and the Levitical priesthood. The author's intent is to show that Jesus Christ is superior to all elements of the Old Covenant, including prophets, angels, and the Levitical priesthood.
The specific context of Hebrews 5 deals with the qualifications and roles of high priests, particularly as they relate to obedience, compassion, and the Melchizedekian priesthood. It serves to set up Jesus Christ as the ultimate High Priest, who stands in a league of His own when compared to earthly priests under the Old Covenant.
Main Idea
The main thrust of Hebrews 5 is to illuminate the qualifications and functions of the high priest in Israel and to reveal how Jesus Christ supremely fulfills this role.
Outline
Today, we delve deep into the profound message embedded in Hebrews 5. We'll navigate through the chapter using three primary anchors:
1. The Earthly High Priest: Humanity's Representative Before God (verses 1-4)
Here, we learn that a high priest is chosen among humans to represent them before God. He is to offer sacrifices for sins for both himself and the people (v.1-3). This calling is not self-assumed but divinely appointed (v.4). Earthly priests themselves have weaknesses; they can sympathize with those they represent.
2. Jesus Christ: The Ultimate High Priest (verses 5-10)
Transitioning from the earthly to the heavenly, we discover that Christ did not glorify Himself to become a High Priest. God appointed Him (v.5-6). Through His prayers and sufferings, Jesus learned obedience and was perfected, becoming the source of eternal salvation to all who obey Him (v.7-9). Here, the mysterious Melchizedek is introduced as a template, a shadow of the unique priesthood of Christ (v.10).
3. The Rebuke and the Call to Maturity (verses 11-14)
The author pauses to admonish his audience for their spiritual dullness (v.11). They ought to be teachers by now but still need someone to teach them the basics (v.12). Solid food is for the mature, those who have trained themselves to distinguish between good and evil (v.13-14).
This chapter invites us to fix our gaze on Christ, our ultimate High Priest, as we also heed the call to grow into spiritual maturity.
Proposition
You should grow in spiritual maturity.
The proposition "You should grow in spiritual maturity" is drawn from the last segment of Hebrews 5 (verses 11-14), where the author rebukes the audience for their lack of spiritual growth. The text makes it clear that remaining in a state of spiritual infancy is unacceptable; believers must strive to understand the deeper, "meatier" teachings of the Word of God. Spiritual growth is not an option but an expectation, as it aligns us closer to the person and work of our ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ.
Consider the Apostle Peter. At the start of his walk with Christ, he was impulsive and spiritually immature. He denied Christ three times out of fear. However, Peter didn't remain in this state. He grew spiritually, to the point that he became a "pillar" in the church, penning epistles and even accepting martyrdom for the faith. Peter's life illustrates that spiritual maturity is attainable.
The Parable of the Prodigal Son in Luke 15 vividly illustrates the path from spiritual immaturity to spiritual growth. The younger son starts off squandering his inheritance, living a life devoid of any spiritual substance. However, when he "comes to himself," he repents and returns home to his father. The son grows in his understanding and appreciation of his father’s love, symbolizing our growth in understanding God's grace.
Mary Magdalene, once plagued by seven demons, experienced a radical transformation through her encounter with Jesus. She grew in spiritual maturity to the point of becoming one of the first witnesses of Christ's resurrection. Her life exemplifies that no matter how far one is from God, spiritual growth is not just a possibility but a reality through Christ.
Each of these lives illustrates that spiritual maturity is not just a theological concept but a transformative, attainable reality.
Ways you should grow in spiritual maturity:
1. By Understanding Christ's Priesthood (v. 1-10)
The term for "high priest" in the original language is "archiereus" (ἀρχιερεύς), used frequently in the New Testament to describe the Jewish high priests, and metaphorically for Christ. The same term appears in Matthew 26:3, where the chief priests plot to arrest Jesus.
In Hebrews 5, understanding Christ as our ultimate High Priest is crucial for spiritual maturity. Why? Because comprehending the depth of His intercessory role on our behalf gives us confidence in our relationship with God. It assures us that we have an advocate who has been tested in every way as we are, yet without sin.
Knowing this, we are more inclined to approach God's throne with boldness, seeking grace and mercy in times of need (Hebrews 4:16). It also challenges us to live a life worthy of such a High Priest—holy, set apart, and fully devoted to God.
Understanding Christ's priesthood is not just intellectual assent; it has practical implications for how we live our lives, how we pray, and how we engage with God and others. A mature understanding of Christ’s priesthood should lead to a more intimate and powerful walk with God.
2. By Discerning Good and Evil (v. 14)
The Greek word "diakrisis" (διάκρισις) signifies discernment. It appears in 1 Corinthians 12:10, where discerning of spirits is listed as a spiritual gift. Here, the term refers to the ability to distinguish between what is morally good and evil. Example: Solomon prayed for wisdom and discernment, showcasing his spiritual maturity when he discerned the true mother of a baby brought before him.
3. By Desiring Solid Food (v. 12-14)
The phrase "solid food" translates the Greek word "stereos" (στερεός), meaning something strong or substantial. In Ephesians 4:14, the term "stereos" emphasizes the steadiness of doctrine. Here, it implies diving deeper into the Word of God, beyond elementary teachings. Example: The Bereans in Acts 17:11 are a perfect illustration; they searched the Scriptures daily to confirm the teachings they heard.
4. By Teaching Others (v. 12)
The Greek word "didaskalos" (διδάσκαλος) refers to a teacher. It's the same word used in Matthew 23:8, where Jesus refers to Himself as the "one Teacher." In Hebrews 5, it implies that spiritual maturity includes the ability to instruct others in the faith. Example: Priscilla and Aquila in Acts 18:24-26 graciously and effectively taught Apollos, demonstrating their own spiritual maturity.
Each of these ways uses action verbs, as you'll note. They're practical steps, grounded in the text of Hebrews 5, that each of us can take to grow in spiritual maturity. This isn't just a command; it's an invitation to a richer, fuller walk with our Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ.
Pointing to Christ
Hebrews 5 illuminates the priesthood of Christ, who perfectly fulfills the roles and expectations set out for the high priest in the Old Testament. Christ is not just another high priest; He is the ultimate High Priest, called by God Himself, operating not according to the temporary, flawed line of Aaron, but according to the eternal, perfect order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 5:6, 10).
The New Testament reveals the fullness of this fulfillment in various ways. In the Gospel accounts, particularly the passion narratives, we see Jesus offering up prayers and petitions with fervent cries to God (Mark 14:32-36; Luke 22:41-44). In doing so, He exhibits the characteristics of the high priest mentioned in Hebrews 5:7. Furthermore, Paul’s epistles elaborate on Christ’s priestly role, emphasizing His intercessory work on our behalf (Romans 8:34). The book of Revelation, too, portrays Jesus as the victorious, eternal High Priest who lives forever to intercede for us (Revelation 1:12-18).
Moreover, Jesus’ priesthood is one of compassion, being fully human and fully divine, able to sympathize with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). Yet He is also the sinless, spotless Lamb of God, uniquely qualified to offer Himself as a sacrifice for our sins (1 Peter 1:19). Therefore, His priesthood goes beyond the limitations of the Aaronic priesthood; it fulfills the true essence of what a high priest should be—holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, and exalted above the heavens (Hebrews 7:26).
Christ's role as High Priest elevates our understanding of God’s salvation plan, revealing the intricate ways in which Old Testament themes find their ultimate expression and fulfillment in Him. Through Christ, we have the assurance of a High Priest who is not only familiar with our human struggles but has triumphed over them.
Gospel Invitation
As we delve into the profundities of Hebrews 5, we find a remarkable truth that cannot be ignored: Christ is our eternal High Priest, and through Him, we are delivered from the penalty, power, and presence of sin. This is a cornerstone for our faith, a beacon of hope, and a call to spiritual maturity.
Firstly, consider how Christ's priesthood affects our justification. Jesus, the sinless High Priest, offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice on our behalf. Unlike the high priests of old who had to make continual offerings, Christ's single act on the cross was sufficient to cover all sin—past, present, and future. Through faith in His atoning work, we are made right with God, escaping the eternal penalty for our sins.
Secondly, let's talk about sanctification. Christ didn't just rise to Heaven and leave us to struggle on our own. No, He sits at the right hand of God, interceding for us. He empowers us to overcome sin in our daily lives. When you feel entangled by sin, remember, Christ, your High Priest, provides you the grace to overcome. He sympathizes with your weaknesses and provides a way out. As you mature in understanding His priestly role, you'll find that sin loses its grip on you.
Lastly, let us set our eyes on our future glorification. The book of Hebrews itself tells us that Christ was made perfect through what He suffered. In a similar way, we too are being perfected. One day, we will be free from even the presence of sin, enjoying eternal communion with God, our loving Father.
In conclusion, Christ, our High Priest, provides the full solution to the problem of sin: He justifies us, sanctifies us, and will one day glorify us. So, what are you waiting for? If you haven't yet, place your faith in Jesus Christ, and experience the transformative power of His eternal priesthood. And if you are already a believer, then strive towards maturity, fully grasping the depth and width of what Christ's priesthood means for you. Amen.
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Bibliography
"The Exegesis and Application of Hebrews 5: A Comprehensive Study for Sermon Preparation." Assistant, Chat. 2023.