Hebrews 4:14-5:10

Hebrews 4:14-5:10

Verse 14 begins one of the great and unique descriptions of Christ in the New Testament. Chapter and verse divisions were not part of the Bible till the 6th and 16th centuries, respectively. The passage before us, 4:14-5:10, is best studied as a whole. This is a case where the chapter break was poorly placed.

For Jewish Christians, the temptation to return to Judaism would have been closely linked to the role of the high priest with its pomp, beauty, tradition, succession, and iconic role. Since the time of Aaron, Israel's high priest was a source of national solidarity. But just as Jesus is superior to angels and to Moses, He is superior to the high priest of Aaron’s line. There is a Jewish expectation of a priestly Messiah, but because the Messiah was to come from the line of David, this created a problem for Jewish scholars. Priests had to come from the tribe of Levi, and David was from the tribe of Judah. Some scholars reconciled this by expecting two Messiahs, one priestly and one kingly. It has apparently never dawned on them that a different priestly order would be involved.

In these verses the author briefly but powerfully outlines the priestly ministry and qualifications of Jesus Christ and does so in such a way as to show the vast superiority of Christ the priest in contrast to those in the temple in Jerusalem. Christ passes through the heavens rather than the temple courts. Christ was able to identify with all our weaknesses but was without sin. While the temple priests had to begin with sacrifices for their own sin, Christ was sinless. In verse four, the author may have been a bit ironic; “no one takes this honor” may have been a reference to Annas coming to the high priestly office by killing a rival. Even Christ did not take this honor but was appointed. While Christ was humble and compassionate, the high priests of the time were brutal and cutthroat, seeing the people as pawns for their own advancement. And in every aspect of the role of priests, Christ is far superior to the Jewish high priest. In fact, the high priest of the line of Aaron ended in the year 70 AD. But Jesus is still functioning in some of the specific roles as our high priest.

One final note: it is said Jesus was made perfect. That in no way implies any moral failure or imperfection. Rather, it was he who completed the task given Him. Because of His perfect life and obedience He can give us a salvation from Himself.

“Thank you, Lord, that You are my High Priest. AMEN”