Study in Hebrews 5

Hebrews 4:15–16 ESV

For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

Review

Christians have a high priest

Christians’ high priest is in heaven

Jesus is that high priest

The people should be encouraged

Review (continued)

He was tested like a man

He did not sin

He is the perfect “Mediator”

Hebrews 5:1–4 ESV

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

Question #1

What qualifications are necessary to serve as high priest?

Question #2

What duties are performed by the high priest?

Hebrews 5:5–6 ESV

So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

Question #3

What does "after the order of Melchizedek."mean, and how does Christ’s priesthood differ from the Levitical priesthood?

Question #4

Who chose Jesus Christ to become High Priest?

Hebrews 5:7–8 ESV

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered.

Question #5

In the flesh, what did Jesus experience? What did He learn?

Hebrews 5:9–10 ESV

And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Question #6

What did Jesus become through such suffering? For whom?

Hebrews 5:11 ESV

About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing.

Question #7

What made the author's subject difficult to continue and explain?

Hebrews 5:12–14 ESV

For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of the oracles of God. You need milk, not solid food, for everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is a child. But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their powers of discernment trained by constant practice to distinguish good from evil.

Questions #8

What should his readers have been capable of at that time?