Christ, Our High Priest

Bible Passage: Hebrews 5:1–10

Summary: Hebrews 5:1–10 highlights Jesus as our perfect and eternal High Priest, appointed by God with qualities of compassion, obedience, and sacrifice.

Application: This passage helps Christians understand the unique role of Jesus as their High Priest who empathizes with their weaknesses, intercedes for them, and offers the ultimate sacrifice for their sins. It encourages believers to approach God boldly through Jesus and find grace and mercy in their time of need.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that Jesus, as the High Priest, fulfills all the requirements of the Levitical priesthood but surpasses it by offering Himself as the perfect sacrifice once and for all. Believers can trust in Jesus' intercession and sacrifice for their salvation.

How this passage could point to Christ: Christ is seen as the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament priesthood, foreshadowed by figures like Melchizedek and Aaron. Jesus embodies the compassionate, obedient, and sacrificial qualities expected of a High Priest, making Him the perfect mediator between God and humanity.

Big Idea: Jesus Christ, as our High Priest, provides the ultimate sacrifice and intercession, allowing believers to approach God boldly and find eternal grace and mercy.

Recommended Study: For further study on the priesthood of Jesus in Hebrews 5, pastors can explore the typological connections between Jesus and the Old Testament priesthood using Logos resources. Investigate the theological implications of Jesus as the High Priest in the book of Hebrews, including His role as a mediator, the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies, and the significance of His sacrifice. Delve into the cultural context of priesthood in Biblical times to better grasp the significance of Jesus' unique position as the High Priest.

1. Jesus is appointed high priest with compassion. (vs. 1-4)

Hebrews 2:17 ESV

17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.

Hebrews 5:1-4

You could start by emphasizing the compassion and appointed nature of the High Priest's role, drawing a parallel to Jesus' appointment by God, not based on human heritage but divine will. This sets the stage for understanding Jesus' unique empathy and authority as our High Priest. Perhaps, illustrate how Jesus' compassion towards our weaknesses encourages believers to be open before God, knowing they're understood and loved.

2. Jesus’ position is eternal. (vs. 5-6)

Genesis 14:18 ESV

18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.)

Hebrews 5:5-6

Maybe focus on the divine appointment of Jesus as High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, distinguishing His priesthood from the Levitical order. This suggests the eternality and uniqueness of His priestly role. Highlight how this points to Jesus as the central figure in God’s salvation plan, encouraging believers to fully trust in His once-for-all sacrifice for their eternal redemption.

3. Jesus obeyed the law completely so that we might obey him. (vs. 7-10)

Isaiah 53:5 ESV

5 But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed.

Hebrews 5:7-10

Perhaps explore Jesus' obedience and suffering, culminating in His role as the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. Emphasize His perfect sacrifice and how it opens a new way for believers to approach God with confidence. You could suggest that this ultimate act of love and obedience should inspire Christians to live lives of faithful obedience, fully reliant on Jesus' intercession for them.