Hebrews
Chapter 5
Jesus, the Suffering Priest
Every high priest is chosen from among men and made their representative before God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sin.
He can understand the ignorant and straying, for he himself is subject to weakness.
This is why he must also offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as for the sins of the people.
Besides, one does not assume this position lightly but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.
Nor did Christ become high priest in taking upon himself this dignity, but it was given to him by the one who said: You are my son, this day I have begotten you.
And in another place: You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.
Christ, in the days of his mortal life, offered his sacrifice with tears and cries. He prayed to him who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his humble submission.
Although he was Son, he learned through suffering what obedience was,
and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for those who obey him.
This is how God proclaimed him priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
A Call to Maturity and Perseverance
Regarding this, we have much to say, but it is hard to explain because you have become dull in understanding.
You should be teachers by now, but instead, you need to be taught again the basic principles of God’s word. You need milk, not solid food.
Those who are fed with milk are still infants; this refers to those who have not been tested in the way of righteousness.
Solid food is for adults who have trained themselves to discern good from evil.
Commentaries
Jesus, the Suffering Priest.
The preacher explains what Christ’s priestly mediation involves by comparing his priesthood to the role of high priest in Israel. Against the background of the Jewish priesthood, he illustrates that Christ’s priesthood is not merely a continuation but a complete break—something fundamentally different that redefines and gives new meaning to both the word “priest” and the priestly role. He suggests that, ultimately, the Temple priesthood failed because it lacked the essential qualities: solidarity and compassion toward the “ignorant and lost.” The first key difference of Jesus as a priest was that he was without sin; the second was that he was chosen as high priest without coming from a priestly family, since Jesus was from the tribe of Judah, not Levi.
A Call to Maturity and Perseverance.
The preacher warns that his teaching on the priesthood of Jesus is intended for mature, educated, and committed Christians, not for the lazy. He is very strict with potential apostates. Rejecting the Lord is like crucifying Him again. He does not expect this from his “beloved” Hebrews (6:9), whom he encourages to persevere to the end. On the contrary, he trusts them. He reminds them of their former Christian commitment and the good works that God will surely remember. The main foundation of Christian hope is God’s promise. That is why he encourages them to follow Abraham’s example of perseverance. He concludes with a vivid nautical analogy: hope is like a strong and secure anchor for the soul (19).