Hebrews 5 explained: A High Priest Who Knows Weakness

What a high priest does (vv. 1-3)

In ancient Israel the high priest was a human chosen to stand between the people and God, offering gifts and animal sacrifices to deal with wrongdoing. He was weak and flawed himself, so he had to offer sacrifices for his own sins too, and that shared weakness let him be patient with people who went wrong through ignorance or drifting.

Chosen, not self-appointed (v. 4)

Nobody could simply claim this role; God had to call the person, as with Aaron, the brother of Moses and Israel's first high priest. The writer stresses this to set up the claim that Jesus was appointed too.

God names Jesus priest (vv. 5-6)

The writer quotes two psalms: Psalm 2, where God calls the king his son, and Psalm 110, which speaks of a priest forever like Melchizedek, a priest and king who blessed Abraham in Genesis 14. Melchizedek was not from Aaron's family, so the writer uses him to describe a different and lasting kind of priesthood, explained more fully in chapter 7.

Learning through suffering (vv. 7-8)

This likely points to Jesus praying in anguish before his death, as the Gospels describe in the garden of Gethsemane, though they do not mention tears. He was 'heard' even though he still died, which interpreters explain in different ways: as God strengthening him, or as God raising him from death.

Made fully ready (vv. 9-10)

'Made perfect' is often read as Jesus being made complete and fully fitted for his role through suffering, not as fixing flaws, though Christians explain the phrase in different ways. The writer says he then became the source of lasting rescue for those who obey him, named by God as a priest like Melchizedek.

Still on milk (vv. 11-14)

The writer is frustrated that the readers have stopped making the effort to understand and still need the basics retaught, like infants who can only drink milk. Solid food stands for deeper teaching, which belongs to people who have trained themselves through practice to tell good from evil.

Key verse: Hebrews 5:8

Where Christians differ

Christians differ on how to understand Jesus 'learning obedience' and being 'made perfect,' since most believe he never sinned, so they explain his real human growth and struggle in different ways.

Something to think about

Do you find it easier to trust guidance from someone who has struggled the way you have, or from someone who seems untouched by struggle, and why?