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Hebrews 5:1-4
Hebrews 5:1-4
1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: 2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. 3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. 4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
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1. James McClarty
When God laid out the elements of His covenant with Israel, He chose Moses as His mouthpiece and deliverer. As he stood before the burning bush, Moses contended with God that he was not eloquent, but slow of speech and slow of tongue. In His anger, God declared that Aaron the Levite, Moses's brother, would be the speaker for them both. And, despite our celluloid memories of Charlton Heston boldly confronting Yul Brenner, it was actually Aaron, not Moses, who told Pharaoh, "Let my people go!"
After the Exodus, as the people waited at the foot of Mt. Sinai, Moses learned the details of the covenant which was to be enacted between God and the Israelites. Detail by detail, God explained how He was to be worshipped, how He was to be revealed, and - importantly - how He was to be approached.
Not just anyone could rush into God's presence. An individual needed an intercessor - a priest - to go before the Lord and sacrifice on his behalf. The first of these priests was Aaron:
And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him, from among the children of Israel, that he may minister unto me in the priest's office, even Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, Aaron's sons. (Exod 28:1)
Thus, that one man, as a representative of all the people, would stand before God on their behalf. And his descendants were to continue the job; only a Levite who was a descendant of Aaron could stand in this position, but not without peril. They were instructed to wear gold, pomegranate-shaped bells around the hem of their garment. As the people waited outside the tabernacle they would hear the bells and know that God was pleased with the service being performed inside, but sometimes the bells stopped.
Once, two of Aaron's sons decided the particular incense God had prescribed could be improved upon. They took their new concoction into the tabernacle and were instantly killed for approaching and worshipping God in their own fashion (Lev. 10). Again, how we approach Him is very, very important.
Even though this line of priests was hand-picked and ordained of God, and given every detail of their service; even though they wore the consecrated garments and offered a continuous flow of blood upon the altar, the priesthood had a major failing - it was performed by mere humans. To be truly effective it had to culminate in a sacrifice of such value that it could once-for-all cleanse men of their sin. It also had to be offered by a spotless, sinless priest who could stand before God with no fear that his service would be anything less than perfect.
With that in mind, we turn to this week's passage.
For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: (5:1)
The word "for" indicates this phrase is in support of an earlier statement. To really get the gist of these words we have to stick them back in context. Just a few verses ago we read this word of comfort: "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" (4:15).
Why was that important to God? Why was it a necessity that Jesus be touched with our frailty and share the struggle of temptation? Well, Christ's ministry would fulfill every aspect of the Aaronic priesthood, and one important aspect was "every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God."
- The line of Aaron was men. Our Great High Priest was a man.
- God chose Aaron from among men. Christ also was taken from among men.
- And (here's the really exciting part), the office of priest was ordained FOR men in things pertaining to God. The children of Israel were incapable of comprehending the God who led them, and they needed someone to commune with God on their behalf. They needed someone to wear the ephod, breastplate, and turban. They needed someone who knew where to spill the blood. They needed someone God had hand-chosen who would be accepted in their place.
- Likewise, we are incapable of figuring out the least thing concerning God. It is essential, if any of us are ever to live in His presence, that someone tell us about Him and care for those things pertaining to God which we, ourselves, are unable to do. We need someone to carry our weight on His shoulders, and our names over His heart. We need someone who has the perfect mind of God. We need someone who has entrance into the Most Holy Place to spill the eternal blood. We need someone God has chosen to stand in our place.
- And, there's more! The priest was taken from among men so that he could empathize with our inability. Being flesh and blood, the priest could know the desperation of our need and take pity on the lost and bewildered.
Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. (5:2)
Now we begin to see the importance of having someone "touched with the feeling of our infirmities." The priest must be able to have compassion on those who truly don't know any better. And, since "all we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way" (Is.53:6), it's good to know he intercedes with God for those who are "out of the way." And why would he have such compassion? Because the priest is himself subject to the same flesh. He is troubled by the same bodily infirmities.
And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. (5:3)
No type or shadow of Christ is perfect or complete. Every analogy breaks down at some point, and, of course, this is a major difference between the fleshly, Aaronic priesthood and the Great High Priest. Because the descendants of Aaron were of Adam's race, they were under the curse of sin. Thus, before they could approach God to sacrifice for the people, they had to sacrifice for their own sin.
In the verses to come we will see that this sacrifice was unnecessary for our perfect Priest.
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. (5:4)
Isn't it funny - even a bit depressing - how our concepts of ministry have changed? God declares it's an honor to be called into His service. It's God who calls, and it's God who does the "honouring." Let's look a bit closer at this "honour" thing:
God Honors Moses and Aaron
God went to great lengths in the Old Testament to portray Himself as the unapproachable God. For instance, at Mt. Sinai He made statements like:
And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death: There shall not an hand touch it, but he shall surely be stoned, or shot through; whether it be beast or man, it shall not live: when the trumpet soundeth long, they shall come up to the mount. (Ex.19:12-13)
He continued:
And the LORD said unto Moses, Go down, charge the people, lest they break through unto the LORD to gaze, and many of them perish. And let the priests also, which come near to the LORD, sanctify themselves, lest the LORD break forth upon them. (Ex.19:21-22)
And once the tabernacle was built, God forbade anyone to enter except the Levites. Still, none of the Levites could approach the Holiest Place except the High Priest, and he could only enter once a year, under pain of death!
God was virtually unapproachable, yet:
He Honored Moses and Aaron
The remarkable part is that this same God chose to approach Moses. He even called Moses by name. He beckoned Moses to come talk with Him. This was an unprecedented honor. Then God chose Moses's own brother to be his High Priest. The verse under consideration calls this assignment an honor. And, it certainly was.
God Honored Us
Likewise, one day God approached us...we believers. As we were stumbling along our merry way, unconcerned with our eternal destiny or things pertaining to salvation, the very same God who approached Moses, approached us! While we were paying no attention, He spoke to our hearts and introduced Himself to us. This is a great honor.
Then He introduced us to His Son, our Elder Brother, and helped us to understand that He had chosen our Brother to be our Great High Priest. Cool, eh?
God Honors Christ
And God intends that Christ receive the highest honor. He sits at the right hand of the Everlasting Father and is crowned King of kings and Lord of lords. He didn't take this honor to Himself; He was designated by God to be Great High Priest to His elect, His chosen, His body, His brethren. And all the glory, all the honor....I'm going to press this point...ALL the honor goes to Him.
You know, it's funny the things men consider "honor." The world is full of huge church buildings bedecked in gold where men in flowing multi-colored robes move mysteriously around beautifully appointed religious objects, all the while collecting large paychecks, driving fancy cars, living in elegant homes, and basking in the awe and respect of their congregation and peers. They love the honor which comes from men.
But what a contrast to the honored priests whom God chose to serve in His tabernacle. Their honor was to serve God in obedience. Their life was continuous sacrifice. They received commands from God and they were required to complete them diligently. They lived to serve those who were frail, ignorant, and out of the way. They were given no land as an inheritance in Israel - God was to be their sufficiency. The opportunity to serve God in private, within the walls of the tent no other men could attend, without an audience, without witnesses to behold their splendor, was considered an honor.
It's was God's honor. And, that's plenty.
Let me just wrap this up by saying we are highly honored, my friends and brethren. The God of Ages, the Ancient of Days, the only True God, has reached down into our helpless mortality and invited us to approach Him. He has provided both the way and the means to stand uncondemned in His presence. He did it by providing us the intercessor who could (and would!) sacrifice on our behalf. He called us; He drew us, and He saved us. Now, we are bought with a price and placed into the body, gifted to our calling and honored....I can't say this enough....honored to serve Him.
It is an honor to be in His service.
Jim McClarty
McClartyfam@juno.com
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2. Kevin Hartley
One cannot help but sense an underlying conflict amidst the early readers of this epistle. Their desire to apostatize from true religion and revert back to dwelling amidst shadows and types was one wrought by trouble. Clearly, they were not moved by indifference to stray from Him, as indifference never spurns the feet, but they were those who suffered from some form of persecution or ridicule. Our author's plea of the fourth chapter founded upon grace and mercy finds its antecedent cause in trial and infirmity.
We are given no insight into the trial and conflict of the readers of this letter. Perhaps they were, as Peter in Galatia, constrained by outward threat to depart the people of God, or perhaps they were, as Timothy in Ephesus, disparaging the falling away of seemingly religious companions and suffering from persecution and assault. Clearly, any conservative dating of this letter would place it between the years 50 and 69 A.D., a date during the onset of Roman persecution and the growing consternation of the Jews, coupled with the growing threat of Gnosticism. There clearly may have been a multitude of reasonable causes for the trembling nature of the readers of this letter.
Nevertheless, Christ remains the remedy for every storm. Here again we see the gospel remedy for every trouble and infirmity of men lies in the person of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. Does one suffer an ailment or affliction in this life? Has a malady stricken the soul? How precious the holy ointment of the salve of sovereign grace, as administered by the Spirit and effectuated by the Lord Himself, to ease the inflammation. Our Hebrew readers' souls were inflamed with an infection affecting their clear vision and dulling their hearing, leading them to such madness that they would chase shadows. Thus the need for the gospel medicine to restore them to a soundness of mind. We see, then, our author turning the attention of his readers always to the Lord. 'Look unto Him,' as though He were a bronze serpent set upon a bronze pole, 'look to Him and live' is our author's plea. The readers were bitten by the poison of the asp, they were weakened and failing in strength. 'Look to Him and live.'
Who better, then, to set before this afflicted sort but the great High Priest of our confession, Jesus Christ? There we have a place to go in time of need, where we can find grace and mercy. Thus we are encouraged to come to Him. How blessed the soul that knows Him, yea that is known of Him, and thus can so freely draw nigh unto the fountain of grace in the time of need. For there we find one whom is called of God, ordained by the Father, appointed by grace on behalf of weak and feeble men. Ah, how God alone has decreed the Son of Man should be lifted up, that He might draw all chosen men unto Himself.
Yet how great is this mercy we have both seen and known in our High Priest. For not only is He appointed on behalf of men, but also He is made like unto us. He is given a place with us that He might sympathize with our afflictions. For surely the prophet wrote of Him,
He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not. Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows: yet we did esteem him stricken, smitten of God, and afflicted. (Isa. 53:3,4)
What grace is this then? Christian, again I ask you, in a letter often chided and avoided for its harsh tones, do you not see the sweet mercy and alluring grace of our Lord's affection that brings the sickly to His side? No infirmed man shall flee in the face of the warnings of this book; he shall simply, if given grace, be made to cry out 'give me the remedy for my sore.' O, sore afflicted soul, look to Him; hear Him; come unto Him; hesitate not, for we have one appointed of God, a great and merciful High Priest of our confession.
In this the fifth chapter then, beginning with the explanatory conjunction, our author expounds upon the person of Christ as High Priest, to further set the sweet honey before the weary soldier. Dip into the chasm of the hive and scoop up a handful of grace from this passage. For within it lies these things of explanation to the previous pericope:
- He is appointed by the Father on behalf of elect men, to serve in matters pertaining to men. The word is kaqistatai (kaqivstatai), meaning "set or appointed on behalf of men." He is given for this very reason, that he might serve and perform those things necessary to insure our perseverance. For as surely as He does serve as High Priest over those who have been ordained to eternal life, so surely shall His service render them persistent in His grace. The hina clause following gives the reason for His appointment: to offer sacrifice on our behalf.
- Yet not only does He serve, but He serves knowing our plight, for He is one of us. He is a man, a man seated in heaven, who has once and for all reconciled us unto the Father. We then have a position in Him that cannot fail, for we are seated with Him in the heavenlies. "My little children, these things write I unto you, that ye sin not. And if any man sin, we have an advocate with the Father, Jesus Christ the righteous: And he is the propitiation for our sins" (1 John 2:1,2a). He is said to have power [dunamenw (dunavmeno)], a participle meaning "to moderate one's passions or to bear with our infirmities of heart and soul." It is striking that these verses are rich with participles and infinitives, yoked unto a subjunctive and middle verb, showing Christ as an active agent participating on our behalf. He is not passive nor complacent in His office; He is forever faithful and unceasing as the High Priest of our confession. When Aaron tired, where was Israel to go? When he was complacent and negligent in his duties, where was Israel to turn? When he was laden with sin and grief, where were the sinful to turn? Ah, there is One who is a faithful High Priest, a mighty High Priest, the One of our confession, who is tireless and unceasing in His service. And where was this more evident than at the cross?
Has not Christ herein then been honored unlike any man who has ever donned the priestly garb? Is He not robed in holy splendor and clad with precious jewels? Has not the Father crowned the Son with an holy mitre, declaring (hw:hyl' vd,q) holiness to the LORD? Oh reader, see the precious anointing oil running down the beard of the crucified one, mingling with His precious blood, dripping to the ground, which is the sweet and precious blood of our confession. May we utter this phrase today,
hw:hyl' vd,q (Holiness to the LORD!)
Come unto Him, as He said,
Come unto me, all ye that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you, and learn of me; for I am meek and lowly in heart: and ye shall find rest unto your souls. For my yoke is easy, and my burden is light. (Matt. 11:28-30)
Free from the law, O happy condition...
Unto Him may our obedience flow.Kevin Hartley
kartleyk@erols.com
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3. Donald Blind
My mind goes back to the beginning of the Bible, after the fall, when Adam and Eve were facing a tough life. God at this point made them clothing for their journey into life. "Unto Adam also and to his wife did the LORD God make coats of skins, and clothed them" (Gen. 3:21). God Himself did the first sacrifice. Although not stated, the implication is overwhelming, in the light of the matter of Cain and Abel. Who better suited for the task, than the one who came from the Father's bosom to declare the heart of the Triune God. He saw the crowds and took compassion on them, as sheep without a shepherd.
In all their affliction he was afflicted, and the angel of his presence saved them: in his love and in his pity he redeemed them; and he bare them, and carried them all the days of old. (Isa. 63:9)
Therefore the priesthood comes from the Father, because only God knows what He wants, and what man needs. Man is ignorant, as amply shown from his fall. Adam thought: "And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons" (Gen. 3:7). God showed them what was needed: "but we see Jesus." The temptation with the adversary, and the temptation in the garden. To Pilate: "You have no power, except it be given to you from heaven." Now, to go to the cross willingly, with gifts and sacrifices all in one, to propitiate the Father, and expiate sin, so that we in simple, regenerate faith, may trust in the altogether lovely one. What compassion!!! He was sent by the Father: "Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many" (Matt. 20:28).
The Old Testament is needed as an encyclopedia of special revelation, as natural revelation is an encyclopedia to give us a vocabulary and definition to be able to understand what is the mind of God. Aaron was the official high priest of the law that was added in order to make sin exceedingly sinful. He was called of God to be a reference point in order that we may understand what a high priest was and why he was needed. Aaron, a sinner himself, also had to offer up sacrifices for himself
Donald E. Blind
dblind@erols.com
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4. Fred Butler
Here are some thoughts I had for Heb. 5:1,2.
General Observations:
It appears the author is using the OT high priest as an illustration for our Lord's work:
- The priest was taken "from among men"; The Lord was made man and shown to be the one God chose.
- The priest was ordained for men to be a go between from men to God; Jesus was ordained to be a mediator from God to men. Though the High Priest had some understanding of God's holiness and person, it was a veiled understanding. Only Jesus could make God fully known.
- The High Priest was ordained:
a) for the purpose of offering gifts and sacrifices for sins
b) so he could show compassion on the ignorant and those out of the way. The word "ignorant" comes from 'agoeo' from where the word 'agnostic' is derived. It basically means "not to know" or "ignorance." The phrase "out of the way" is from 'planao' the root for planet. It means "to wander" or "stray," particularly in regards to truth. Jude uses the same idea to describe false prophets (Jude 13). The High Priest, like our Lord, stood in the place between people ignorant of God, who wandered from the truth.Freddy Butler
butler@gty.org
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5. Michael Cruz
For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: (Heb. 5:1)
This verse explains to us the manner in which a high priest was appointed. He was picked from among the mass of fallen humanity in order to be a representative between man and God; that is how he was selected. He offered sacrifices for sin; that was his function. In the New Covenant this no longer applies as an ongoing practice. It is a finished work of God the father and His son Jesus Christ. In Christ, we have a high priest who came in the form of a man, yet without sin. Although he knew the temptations of sin, He functioned as the perfect sin offering, bridging the gap between sinful man and God once and for all.
Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. (Heb. 5:2)
This verse tells us simply that God's high priest was to be a humble man. The man that has a proper grasp of his own sinfulness is able to provide constructive advice to those who have fallen victim to the ravages of sin. In other words, the high priest was not to have been a hypocrite. He should have been able to separate the sinful behavior and its source from the one who was enslaved by sin, yet without condoning it. The writer instructs us on the standards for the high priestly office in the old covenant. In the new covenant, it is now the responsibility of every believer to live in the same fashion (Mt. 7:4). For those who think we who espouse a new covenant are attempting to flee from the rigors of the old covenant, take a look at 1Tim 2:25. Here we see God's people are not even to lose their humility when dealing with those antagonistic toward them. But we must never forget we have our high priest in Jesus Christ who meets all these qualifications of humility and more. No matter how many times, nor with how many new names, the sinfulness of man tries to resurrect this office, it is filled by the only one who is able to fill it, and He has once for all atoned for every one of our sins.
And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. (Heb. 5:3)
This is a measure added by God to ensure humility. No true high priest would have been able to even think himself sinless since part of his function was to offer sacrifices for his own sin. He more than any other, should have seen the picture of Christ in the sacrifices which he offered over and over again. A close-up reminder of how all of us have been stained by sin's handiwork.
And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. (Heb. 5:4)
No true high priest was a self-made man nor a self starter. If he was truly called by God, rest assured, he did not usurp that position. There were no resume mail outs, interviews, nor callbacks necessary when God filled a position. I believe it is safe to say they were appointed in days of old in the same manner as Christ was slain before the foundation of the world. In Exodus 7:1 and 28:1, we see where Aaron was appointed by God through Moses, yet most assuredly called by God and given the position of high priest. I believe it is important to remember this passage speaks of the old testament office of priest which has been permanently filled by Christ.
With the abundance of ministries and churches known for the people who lead them rather than for the glory they exhibit for God, I think it is worthy to reference some men in the Bible whom God called.
- In the New Testament, consider the folly of the disciples' attempt to replace Judas. Mathias was a fine believer no doubt, but isn't it interesting that the majority of the New Testament was written by the apostle who was not worthy to be called an apostle? Paul was called directly by Christ as he was on the road to Damascus, on his way to persecute believers. It is evident in his testimony that Paul gives God the full credit for his call.
- In addition to Aaron's and Paul's call, consider the call of Moses (Exodus 3), Samuel (1 Samuel 3), and Jeremiah (Jeremiah 1).
Note in each of these calls, the power and confidence exuded to the recipient, yet with humility still intact. Any call God gives is timeless and irrevocable (Rom 11:29) and we have that assurance and confidence if he has truly called us to labor with Him.
But we can and should truly glory in the Lord Jesus Christ who was called to be our high priest and to offer a satisfactory propitiation for our sins; both of which, I reiterate, He has accomplished to perfection, once for all, for those who believe.
Michael Cruz
a_la_cruz@technologist.com
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6. Reid Ferguson
For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: (5:1)
As the preceding chapter so wonderfully set forth the reality of Christ´s magnificent priesthood and the promises that naturally attend it, so the text before us begins to set forth His suitableness unto that office. Whereas before we saw His discharge of those duties in power and glory, so here we see why He is so uniquely equipped to minister in this capacity.
- He begins by mentioning first, the chief QUALIFICATION for being such an high priest: "For every high priest taken from among men."
- Secondly we see the DESCRIPTION of his office: "he is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: "
- Thirdly is his personal SUITEDNESS for the office: "Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity."
- Fourthly is the sum of the chief DUTY of his office: "And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins."
- Fifthly, is the NATURE of his office: "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron."
For every high priest taken from among men (5:1a)
Notice, that there is a QUALIFICATION for the office. In order for a high priest to be a high priest, he must be called out from among those to whom He is to minister. The fullness of why this is so important is developed further on in the text itself: "Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity." But what begs our attention here is simply the fact that it is fitting that men so act in behalf of men. While the main concern of our text, in context, is how this pertains to Christ and His own ministry, there are some general principles that are of use to us here as well. There is great counsel here for those who would aspire to the office of the ministry, as well as a great protection for the people.
God is not wont to adopt as ministers for His people, men who have no acquaintance with life. It is a sad and defiling thing, that we rush men from high school, to college and seminary, and then put them before people as their ministers, when they haven´t an ounce of practical living behind them. They´ve never had to earn an honest day´s living in their lives. Woe unto us when those who speak God´s Word to us have never had to live by it themselves in the real world; when they´ve never been locked up in an office with a team of foul-mouthed pagans all day; when they know nothing of being jeered at and intimidated while trying to scratch out enough pay to feed their families; who know nothing of what it means to live their everyday lives in what, for all intents and purposes, is a completely pagan atmosphere. It is easy to descend from the ivory tower on the Lord´s Day and tell the broken and wounded in the pews why they must be better stalwarts for Christ, when all week long they´ve contended only with Christians, and the heaviest burden they´ve born is the weight of their study books. God will have none of it. What is written of Christ? "He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief: and we hid as it were our faces from him; he was despised, and we esteemed him not" (Isa 53:3). A priest must not be taken from "out" of men like a higher class of spiritual citizen, but from "among" men. One who has the dirt of life under his fingernails, as well as the fire of God in his heart. Our Savior didn´t float on clouds and recline on satin pillows. He knew the thirst, hunger, and weariness of labor, disappointment, and all that life is. Praise God He was taken from among men. May all who desire to undershepherd His flock take His example to heart.
So you, child of God, you who have said of Christ and His trials: "yes, He had difficulties, but after all, He WAS God," never forget His great pouring out. He did not simply descend out of Heaven in a fiery chariot and go immediately to the cross. He lived life as you and I. His "kenosis" was not a divestiture of His divinity, but it WAS a laying aside of its privileges. He never "magically" saved Himself from hunger; sometimes He grew faint. When He heard the news of John´s beheading, He went up into the mountain to pray, and sent His disciples off to the other side of Galilee. Once, on the sea, He was so weary that He slept in the midst of a life threatening storm, and at the graveside of Lazarus He wept. Whatever theological notions we want to cram into that act, this much is true, He was willing to be a man among men, and thought it no lessening of His office to be so. Indeed, as our text would say - it MUST be so. He has felt the sting of life as you and I.
A high priest must always be taken from among men. And it is no small thing that He was so taken. For in His incarnation He was willing to abandon Himself so completely to the providential care of the Father that He could be born to a teenage mother in a backward country, at a backward time in history, with not a single modern convenience or advantage. He could come in the form of an helpless infant, as exposed to every contrary force and condition as every other human born into this world. Yet, there was no chance that He might perish, falter, or fail, because He had committed His all to the Father´s keeping. Now, is it not a glory beyond all comprehension that He so came that you and I might live that way too? He didn´t just say it, He lived it, so that we might live in that very same manner. What a blessed hope is this. What an High Priest is He!
Reid Ferguson
reidf@frontiernet.net
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7. Maurice Bergeron
Every high priest taken from among men. (5:1a)
Was Aaron a priest for all nations or specifically for the nation of Israel? The key thought here is that our high priest was taken from among mankind. Does this speak specifically of the elect or should we consider the meaning in a larger sense? I personally believe that since the benefits of His office are intended for His elect then it would follow that He is identified specifically with His elect. As Aaron was a high priest for the nation of Israel alone,which was but a shadow, Christ now exercises His office for the true nation He has purchased with His own precious blood.
And Aaron shall bear the names of the children of Israel in the breastplate of judgment upon his heart, when he goeth in unto the holy place, for a memorial before the LORD continually. (Exod. 28:29)
Is ordained for men in things (pertaining) to God. (5:1b)
Our Lord Jesus is appointed to serve in things holy and to intercede in behalf of his fellow-men. God has no need of a high priest, but men have need of His service.
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. For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. (Heb. 2:17,18)
Who can have compassion... (5:2a)
These words are rendered in the NIV: “He is able to deal gently...”
My dear friend, who has compassion as our Lord Jesus? Countless saints have discovered His compassion while in their deepest need and many have understood His compassion is their constant comfort. Dear child of God, why do you need to be in the gravest of difficulty before you come to understand His compassion? He is ever gentle with those whom His Father has given Him.
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. (Heb. 4:15)
For in that he himself hath suffered being tempted, he is able to succour them that are tempted. (Heb. 2:18)
...on the ignorant (5:2b)
I have in mind here Numbers 15:22-29 where the priest was instructed to offer sacrifice on behalf of those who sinned in ignorance.
And the priest shall make an atonement for all the congregation of the children of Israel, and it shall be forgiven them; for it is ignorance: and they shall bring their offering, a sacrifice made by fire unto the LORD, and their sin offering before the LORD, for their ignorance: (Num. 15:25)
Now listen to the Apostle Paul as he offers his testimony concerning the grace of God.
And I thank Christ Jesus our Lord, who hath enabled me, for that he counted me faithful, putting me into the ministry; Who was before a blasphemer, and a persecutor, and injurious: but I obtained mercy, because I did it ignorantly in unbelief. And the grace of our Lord was exceeding abundant with faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. (1 Timothy 1:12-14)
for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. (5:2c)
How could He serve as a merciful high priest touched by the infirmities of men if He was not identified with our number? Consider the ramifications of this truth. If our Lord can be so touched by the difficulties of His people then how can it be that professing saints can be indifferent to the trials of their brothers and sisters? Are we our brothers' priest? Do we long to see their good? Have we no compassion? Shall we consider the text before us as to how it relates to “me” only or should we consider the benefits that “we” as a new nation enjoy with such a high priest?
Consider 1 Pet 2:9-10;
But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.
He ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. (5:3)
As Aaron stood, interceding before the mercy-seat, he wore all the names of Israel´s tribes on his person, before the Lord God. The same can be said of the reality. Our Jesus now stands before our God for those precious living stones that He has purchased.
And no man taketh this honour unto himself. He must be called by God. (5:4)
Summary:
My dear Christian friend, consider Jesus Christ, your elder brother. Are you often mindful of the holy service your Lord performs on your behalf? There is none as filled with compassion towards you as He. There is no one as gentle. Your good is the desire of His heart as He pleads on your behalf before His Father. What then ought to be your heart´s desire as you consider your brethren?Let us join this high priest as He lifts up His (your) holy nation before the Father.
Maurice Bergeron
ic@mdc.net
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