Divine Appointment

You are my Son

The New Revised Standard Version Chapter 5

So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him,

“You are my Son,

today I have begotten you”;

Hebrews: An Introduction and Commentary (ii) Comparison with Aaron (5:1–10)

4. A most important factor in the high priest’s office is its origin. It was a divine appointment and not a self-appointment or a human appointment: one does not take the honour upon himself.

The Hebrew writer tells us that first of all, Jesus is God’s son, and that he has been begotten. Now begotten is a term that not everyone understands so lets look at the word begotten. The word begotten is a word which means to become ones father, or to bring forth. It means to produce, was born.

So, how was, or why was, Jesus born to be a priest? Jesus came to make a way for us to have relationship with the Father. During the Exodus God spoke through Moses-a prophet and spokesperson for God. Moses was saved in his own way and called forth to serve God’s people. But Jesus was destined to be the savior of the world. Moses, Abram, and others of old always told of the one to come. So before Jesus, the God of creation spoke through His prophets, but Jesus came to show us a better way. The High Priest spoke to God on our behalf and helped to secure victories in battle. Jesus came to show us a better way when the veil was torn, the door was literally opened to let us talk to God directly.

When we think about our rights; women fought for the right to vote, men and women died in battle that we might have freedom, and yet some women do not vote, some people do not respect our freedoms. I say all this only to help you to see the point; Jesus died to give us the opportunity to speak to the Father, and yet many do not take advantage of the opportunity.

The New Revised Standard Version Chapter 5

In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

Jesus suffered and he prayed. Jesus, who is God, offered up prayers. So, why are you not doing so? What should we take home today? Perhaps we should consider that although Jesus is a special circumstance, others before him were special also. I suggest that you spend time this week, making a list of those who are special.