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Hebrews 5:1-4
The author of Hebrews has referred to Jesus as a, “great High Priest” (Hebrews 4:14, NKJV) and describes Him as being sympathetic with our weaknesses and being tempted in “all points” but “yet without sin” (Hebrews 4:15).
As the author of Hebrews moves into chapter 5, he takes this idea of Jesus being a High Priest and describes the role of the High Priest in the Old Testament as appointed by God and his ability to be compassionate on the ignorant (those without knowledge) as He too is, “subject to weakness” (Hebrews 5:2). As was the High Priest Aaron called by God, so also is his duty to God to offer for the people, and himself in being subject also to weakness, sacrifices for their sins (Hebrews 5:3-4).
This is a description of the role of the High Priest as being called by God and in relation to Jesus being a High Priest.
The things in which the author of Hebrews describes as the requirements for the High Priest are all things in which describe Jesus. He was appointed (by God) for, “things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins” (Hebrews 5:1). “He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness (Hebrews 5:2). We know that Jesus was subject to our weaknesses from Hebrews 4:15 as He was, “in all points tempted as we are, yet without sin.” Because of this, He is required as the sinless acceptable sacrifice for sin, to offer Himself as that ultimate sacrifice for all sin (Hebrews 5:3). And as we know that Jesus gives all authority to God for all that He came to do (John 14:10), “And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was” (Hebrews 5:4).
Dear LORD,
This passage of Hebrews 5:1-4 describes the role of the High Priest and of that He is called by You. This passage relates to us that Jesus is the fulfillment of a High Priest and a fulfillment of the sacrificial offering that paid the debt for all sin. Please open our eyes, ears, and hearts to this truth in Christ Jesus that we all may learn and grow in our relationship with You for all eternity – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.