Chapter 5: Great High Priest and
the Call to Go Deeper

Introduction

In Hebrews Chapter 5 , we explore the themes of priesthood, obedience, and the spiritual maturity expected of believers. The text emphasizes the role of Jesus Christ as our High Priest and the need for Christians to grow in their understanding and practice of faith.

Overview of Hebrews 5

Hebrews 5 can be divided into two main sections:

1. The High Priesthood of Jesus (verses 1-10)
2. A Call to Spiritual Growth (verses 11-14)

The High Priesthood of Jesus (Hebrews 5:1-10)

Verses 1-4: The chapter begins by outlining the qualifications and duties of a high priest in the order of Aaron (Numbers 25:12-13). A high priest is chosen from among the people, appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, offering gifts and sacrifices for sins. The high priest must deal gently with the ignorant and wayward*, since he himself is subject to weakness. This section highlights that no one takes this honor for themselves but is called by God, just as Aaron was.

Verses 5-6: The author of Hebrews then transitions to Jesus, showing that He did not glorify Himself to become a High Priest but was appointed by God. The text quotes Psalm 2:7, "You are my Son. Today I have become your Father." and Psalm 110:4, "You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek," to emphasize Jesus' divine appointment.

Verses 7-10: These verses describe Jesus' earthly life, His prayers and supplications with loud cries and tears to the One who could save Him from death (Mark 14:35), and His obedience through suffering. Jesus learned obedience (Philippians 2:5-8) and, having been perfected, became the source of eternal salvation (John 3:16-21) for all who obey Him, being designated by God as a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek.

A Call to Spiritual Growth (Hebrews 5:11-14)

Verses 11-12: The author addresses the readers directly, expressing concern about their spiritual immaturity (cf. 1 Corinthians 3:1-3). Despite the time they have been believers, they still need someone to teach them the elementary truths of God's word all over again. They are described as needing milk, not solid food, indicating their lack of growth.

Verses 13-14: The text contrasts those who live on milk (infants) with those who eat solid food (the mature). The mature are those who, by constant use, have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil (James 4:17). This section calls believers to move beyond the basics of their faith and grow into spiritual maturity, capable of deeper understanding and discernment. (see 1 Corinthians 8:9-13 then  Romans 14).

Discussion Questions

1. What are the qualifications of a high priest mentioned in Hebrews 5:1-4, and how does Jesus fulfill these in His priesthood?
2. How does the concept of Jesus learning obedience through suffering impact your understanding of His humanity and divinity?
3. What are some practical steps you can take to move from spiritual infancy to maturity in your own faith journey?
4. How can the example of Jesus' prayers and supplications in verses 7-10 inspire your own prayer life?

OT Verses Quoted in Hebrews Chapter 5

• Hebrews 5:5 - "The king proclaims the LORD’s [Yahweh's] decree: 'The LORD [Yahweh] said to me, ‘You are my son. Today I have become your Father.'" - Psalm 2:7
• Hebrews 5:6 - "The LORD [Yahweh] has taken an oath and will not break his vow: 'You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.'" - Psalm 110:4

Key Themes and Takeaways

1. Jesus as the Perfect High Priest: Unlike the Aaronic priests who had to offer sacrifices for their own sins, Jesus is the sinless High Priest who offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice for our sins. His priesthood is eternal, in the order of Melchizedek, emphasizing both His divinity and humanity.
2. Obedience through Suffering: Jesus' life exemplifies perfect obedience to God, even through suffering. This obedience made Him the source of eternal salvation for those who follow Him, setting an example for believers to endure and obey God’s will, even in difficult times.
3. Spiritual Maturity: The call to spiritual growth is a central message of this chapter. Believers are encouraged to move beyond elementary teachings and mature in their faith, enabling them to understand deeper truths and live lives that reflect Christ's teachings.

Conclusion

Hebrews 5 challenges us to recognize Jesus as our eternal High Priest, who perfectly bridges the gap between God and humanity. It calls us to follow His example of obedience and to commit to growing in our faith. By doing so, we can better understand and apply God's truths in our lives, becoming mature believers capable of discerning good from evil.

* Note: the Greek word translated as "wayward" is πλανωμένοις (planōmenois). This term comes from the root word πλανάω (planáō), which means "to wander" or "to go astray."