The Office of High Priest

“THE OFFICE OF HIGH PRIEST”

Heb. 5:1-10

Introduction:   Already the subject of the priesthood of Christ has been mentioned in this epistle (2:17; 3:1; 4:14,15). The passage before us begins a section that will describe the work of Jesus as our High Priest.

Let us study what is said in this text:

I.            Earthly High Priests (5:1-4)

A.      Taken from among men.

1.       Particularly, chosen from tribe of Levi, house of Aaron. (Exodus 28:l ff.)

2.       “All priests are Levites, but not all Levites are priests.”

B.      Offer gifts and sacrifices.

1.       Gifts - a comprehensive term. It would include the sacrifices, but would also include the incense, etc.

2.       Sacrifices - the blood - offerings, especially (in view here) the offerings on the Day of Atonement.

C.      “Have compassion on the ignorant...”

1.       Compassion is a trait that was greatly needed by the priest.

2.       Always he needed to remember that he was as the people!

3.       “Have compassion...indicates a pathetic judgment which is neither too severe nor too lenient; but reasonable, sober, indulgent and kind.” (Milligan).

4.       One duty of the High Priest was to faithfully execute “the law of God against all high—handed transgressors;” but he also was to exercise “all due forbearance and compassion towards the ignorant and the erring. (Milligan).

D.      Offer sacrifices for himself and the people.

1.       See Lev. 16:1-28

2.       Aaron had to first offer sacrifice for himself before he was able to offer for others!

E.       “No man takes this honor to himself...”

1.       The office of the High Priesthood was not to be a political office, determined by ambition, power, wealth, or popularity.

2.       The one who would be High Priest would have to meet specifications, and be appointed and sanctified according to Law.

II.          The Heavenly High Priest (5:5-10)

A.      He did not glorify himself.

1.       Appointed by the One who called him His Son (vv. 5,6)

2.       Quotations from Ps. 2:7 and Ps. 110:4 substantiate his claim to rightfully be our heavenly High Priest.

B.      “...the days of his flesh...”

1.       Qualified him (see 2:17,18; 4:15).

2.       Gethsemane is cited as an illustration of his great will to deliver us!

C.      “Though he were a Son...”

1.       He had a special right to call upon God for deliverance and help.

2.       His guiding premise was, “Not my will, but thine be done.”

D.      “...being made perfect...”

1.       His “obedience unto death” (Phil. 2:8) was the means by which all can be saved.

2.       Note the condition of salvation: “obey him.”

3.       His obedience to the Father puts him in a position to expect obedience!

Conclusion:      How thankful we should be to have “such an high priest,” and how gladly we should obey him!