18th October 2024
Is Jesus qualified?
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. 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.
Hebrews 5:7-10 (ESVUK)
The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians at a time when they were facing persecution from other Jews who didn’t believe that Jesus was the Messiah. The author was showing how Jesus qualified for the office of High Priest, even though he was not from the tribe of Levi (Hebrews 7:13-14), which appeared to disqualify him.
The author weaves a series of clever arguments showing how Jesus was indeed qualified not only to be a High Priest but to be the most important High Priest that ever was, and ever will be, the source of ‘eternal salvation to all who obey him.’ (Hebrews 5:9).
High Priests were human and Jesus, as the Son of God was, and still is, fully human.
High Priests were appointed. Aaron and his descendants came to their position because God called and appointed them. Similarly, Jesus was selected by God. The author of Hebrews quotes two passages to prove his point:
Psalm 2:7, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you…”
Psalm 110:4, “You are a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek.”
He points out that Jesus is not a priest like Levi, instead he is a priest who belongs to an older and better order of priests, that of Melchizedek.
High Priests mediated between God and people, offering up gifts and sacrifices for sins, both their own and those of the people. They dealt ‘gently’ with others because they understood what it was like to be a sinner and weak.
In a similar way, but with some important differences, Jesus did the same. He offered up not sacrifices but ‘prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears’ (Hebrews 5:7). As our perfect, gentle, High Priest, Jesus prayed fervently and passionately, in the midst of pain and crises, yet without sin. He understands what it is like to be human, and he stands in solidarity with us in our vulnerability. And at the appointed time he offered up himself once and for all, to be our perfect sacrifice.
Yes! Jesus is more than qualified to be their High Priest, and he is still ours today.
Prayer
Our loving Father in heaven, you blessed us with the perfect High Priest, and he is Jesus the Christ. He became one of us and understands what it is like to be human, yet without sin. He continues to mediate our relationships in gentleness and love and for that we are eternally grateful. In his name we pray, Amen.
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Study by: Jackie Mill About the author: |
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Local congregation:
Grace Communion International Central Glasgow
Garnethill Room
Conference Suite
St Andrews West
260 Bath Street
Glasgow
G2 4JP
Meeting time:
Sunday 11:15 am
Local congregational contact:
Peter Mill
Email: edinburgh@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church