LEARNING ABOUT
CHRIST'S PRIESTHOOD
-- HEBREWS FIVE
Let us rejoice in that we have a High Priest who is called
by God. He was not a descendant of Aaron; He is the Son of God.
The writer of Hebrews had introduced Jesus as our
"merciful and faithful high priest." In Hebrews 2:17 he said,
"Wherefore in all things it behoved him to be made like unto his brethren,
that he might be a merciful and faithful high priest in things pertaining to
God, to make reconciliation for the sins of the people." He had also
admonished Christians to, "consider the Apostle and High Priest of our
profession, Christ Jesus." (Hebrews 3:1)
Not many passages in our Bible encourage us more than
Hebrews 4:14-16, "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is
passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our
infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. Let
us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy,
and find grace to help in time of need."
In this chapter the writer continues his discourse upon the
priesthood of Christ. Here he: (1) Explains the nature of the priestly office,
Hebrews 5:1-3, (2) Explains how priest are called to this office, Hebrews
5:4-6, (3) Explains the qualifications for their work, Hebrews 5:7-9, (4)
Explains the order of the priesthood of
Christ, Hebrews 5:10, (5) Explains the failure of the Hebrews in living for
Christ, their High Priest. (Hebrews 5:11-14)
The priesthood was a very essential part of the Jews
religion. Those who have become Christians have lost nothing concerning the
priesthood. In fact they have gained, because in every way, Christians have a
High Priest that is equal to or great than the high priest of the Jews.
The nature and call of Christ's priesthood -- Hebrews 5:1-6: The
Jewish priest was "taken from among men." This same nature allowed
them to practice true compassion. Christ can be tender and compassionate toward
because He took our nature. The writer gave this simple definition of the
priesthood -- he is "ordained for men in things pertaining to God."
The priest was to deal with Almighty God on behalf of sinful man.
Had it not
been for sin, everyone might have gone to God in his own person. But now our
only way to God is through our High priest, Jesus Christ. The sacrifices were
offered by the priest to clear the way to God for sinful man. Gifts to God
involved many things, but sacrifices were bloody offerings for sin. Our High
Priest offered Himself for our sins.
The Old Testament priest had to have compassion for the
sinful and concern for their own personal sins. They were chosen by God. It was
an act of the sovereignty of God to call whom He pleased to His priesthood.
"So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he
that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee."
(Hebrews 5:5) Christ's priesthood was not after the order of Aaron. He was a
priest "after the order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 5:6)
The qualifications for Christ's priesthood -- Hebrews 5:7-9:
Jesus Christ, while in the flesh subjected Himself to hunger, temptation,
bleeding and dying Jesus. God could have saved Jesus from dying. But, what
would have become of us if He had. In the days of His flesh Christ offered up
prayers to God, joined with strong crying and tear.
Christ was God's Son and by His suffering He
learned obedience. There are two ways of learning obedience: (1) You learn it
by comprehension of mind, and (2) You learn it by experience. Christ has now
been "made perfect, and he became the author of eternal salvation unto all
them that obey him." (Hebrews 5:9)
God's desire is for every person to obey
Him and become Christians. Let all come to Jesus in faith (Hebrews 11:6),
repentance (Acts 17:30-31), confession (Matthew 10:32-33), baptism for
forgiveness of sins (Acts 2:38) and then live a Christian life (I Peter
2:9). If you are not yet a Christian, it
is my earnest prayer that you will heed the call of our risen Lord thought His
glorious and powerful gospel while you still have life and opportunity. Christ
gave His blood to make your salvation possible. Lean obedience NOW before it is
too late!
The order of Christ's priesthood -- Hebrews 5:10:
Jesus
Christ is, "Called of God an high priest after the order of
Melchisedec." (Hebrews 5:10) His priesthood is eternal. It is a
special priesthood. Jesus was like Melchisedec in his designation to the
office. The arrangement of His priesthood was like that of Melchisedec.
We have a more detailed account of this Melchisedec in
Hebrews 7. He was both a priest and a king. None of the kings of the Jews were
priests; nor were any of the priests ever elevated to the office of king. But
in Melchisedec these offices were united.
Melchisedec was a powerful type of Christ Jesus who is prophet, priest
and king.
Christ is a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.
The priesthood of Christ is an eternal priesthood; He ever lives to make
intercession for us
The priesthood of Christ was unappreciated -- Hebrews
5:11-14: The Hebrew writer had many "things to say"
concerning Christ and Melchisedec. Sadly the Christians were "dull of
hearing" and could not receive theses sayings. The problem was the
incapacity of the hearers, their dullness and slothfulness.
Enough time had elapsed since these Hebrew Christians were
converted that they should be teaching God's word. They had been Christians
long enough to be expected to understand such doctrines. Now they should be
able to instruct others. Instead they needed someone to teach them again the
very first lessons of Christianity.
It is reasonably expected by God that His people should
thrive spiritually and grow in their knowledge and godliness. Proportionally to
the time they have been Christians they have personal responsibility for
growth. Sadly, many, after thousands of sermons and Bible classes, are still
ignorant of even simple Bible lessons, and need to be taught again the same
things which they heard so long ago.
May we all diligently seek to grow in the word of righteousness?
The process of learning and obeying the doctrine of Christ is how men become
righteous and find the way of salvation offered by our Redeemer. Habit or
practice in the word of God allows Christians to be in the position of being
able to "discern both good and evil." The Christians grow in the word
of God will appreciate and understand that which is true. They will likewise
reject that which is false.
To become a Christian you must hear the gospel (Romans 10:17), believe in Jesus (Mark 16:16), Repent of sins (Acts 2:38), Confess Christ as Lord (Romans 10:9-10), and be baptized to was away sins. (Acts 22:16) After your baptism, "grow in grace, and in the knowledge of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ. To him be glory both now and for ever." (2 Peter 3:18)