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Hebrews 5:1-6 “Relying on the Lord’s Grace”

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4–7 minutes

Hebrews 5:1-6 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

The author, who previously introduced Jesus Christ as the “great high priest who has ascended into heaven” (Hebrews 4:14), now contrasts human high priests with Jesus as the eternal High Priest. The term “each high priest” (v.1) refers to the line of high priests that followed Aaron. The phrase “matters relating to God” (v.1) refers to the act of offering sacrifices.

The statement “since he himself is subject to weakness” (v.2) highlights that the high priest is also a weak human being prone to sin. The phrase “ignorant and wayward” refers to those who walk in the path of sin. The statement “he is able to deal gently with them” means that because the high priest is aware of his own sinfulness, he can humbly serve others with compassion. Before offering atonement sacrifices for the people, the high priest first had to offer a sacrifice for his own sins (v.3). The procedure for the high priest’s atonement sacrifice is recorded in Leviticus 16:6-14.

The author previously stated that although Jesus, the great High Priest, became like us in every way, he was “without sin” (Hebrews 4:15). While the role of a human high priest was to offer atonement sacrifices as a sinner on behalf of other sinners, Jesus’ sacrifice was different. As the sinless Son of God, he offered an atonement sacrifice for sinners. In this regard, Jesus Christ is incomparable to human high priests. Human high priests were not appointed based on their own achievements but were chosen according to Aaron’s lineage. The phrase “was not taken upon himself” (v.4) emphasizes that becoming a high priest was not a result of personal merit or accomplishment.

God also determined Christ’s appointment as the eternal High Priest. Here, the author quotes Psalm 2:7 (v.5). Jesus became the eternal High Priest because he is the Son of God. Psalm 110:4 declares that the coming Messiah would be “a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek” (v.6). Melchizedek is referred to as “priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18). The first Israelite high priest, Aaron, came hundreds of years after Melchizedek. From a human lineage perspective, Jesus could not have been a high priest in Aaron’s order because he was a descendant of the tribe of Judah, not Levi. However, just as Melchizedek was a “priest of God” before Aaron’s time, so is Christ.

Meditation:

Among the twelve tribes of Israel, the tribe of Levi was set apart for the ministry of sacrifices. As a member of the Levite tribe, Aaron was the first priest, and only his direct descendants were eligible to become priests. Aaron was also the first high priest, and his position was succeeded by his son Eleazar. Unless there was a significant disqualification, the office of the high priest continued to be passed down to the eldest son in Aaron’s lineage. Levites who were not part of Aaron’s family were designated to assist the priests in their duties within the Tabernacle (and later the temple).

The role of the high priest was a lifelong position. The high priest was responsible for directing and supervising the priests and Levites. On the Day of Atonement, he entered the Most Holy Place to offer a sacrifice of atonement for the people of Israel. Before offering this sacrifice, the high priest had first to present an atonement sacrifice for himself because he, too, was a sinner. This atonement sacrifice had to be repeated every year.

As the eternal High Priest, Jesus offered an atonement sacrifice not only for the people of Israel but for all humanity. Unlike the temporary atonement sacrifice made with the blood of animals, Jesus offered an eternal atonement sacrifice through his own blood, which remains effective forever. He fulfilled the mission of the High Priest because he is the Son of God. Jesus did not become a High Priest according to the law but was appointed by God’s will, like Melchizedek. For this reason, the atonement sacrifice that Jesus offered on the cross holds the power of eternal forgiveness.

Prayer:

Heavenly Father, we come before You relying on our Lord, who offered the eternal atonement sacrifice for us on the cross and now intercedes for us at Your right hand. Without depending on Your grace, we cannot stand before You, our Holy Father, for we are aware of our sins and shortcomings. By Your grace, please accept us, cleanse us, and purify us so that we may live holy lives. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: Jesus is our eternal High Priest who gave his life to forgive our sins and is always praying for us. Because of his sacrifice, we can approach God with confidence for help, forgiveness, and love.

  • For Preschool-Lower Elementary
    • If Jesus is always praying for you, how does that make you feel? What would you like to say to him?
    • Can you think of a time when you needed to say sorry to God? How did it feel to know He forgives you?
  • For Upper Elementary-Middle School
    • The Bible says Jesus offered his own blood as a perfect sacrifice. Why do you think his sacrifice is different from the ones high priests used to make?
    • Sometimes, we feel unworthy or too guilty to pray. How can Jesus’ role as our High Priest give us the courage to come to God?
  • For High School
    • How does knowing that Jesus is still praying for you right now change the way you think about your struggles or worries?
    • If Jesus’ sacrifice is “forever,” what does that mean for your relationship with God when you make mistakes?

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