Morning Message: Faithful High Priest

Bobservations Column

Titled - "Faithful High Priest"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

As the scribe of Hebrews continues, we are reminded that his identity does not have to be assigned to any Epistle. 2 Timothy 3: 16 tells us that "all scripture is given by inspiration of God." 2 Peter 1: 20 says, “Holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Ghost.”  The inspired word of God is identified clearly as the source of these verses. We take it somewhat for granted, because “by two or three witnesses, a thing is established."  As these two verses follow the standard of proof, what might more than a dozen cross references do for our belief that The Word written, or verbally shared, is inspired by God the Holy Spirit? While the Word is breathed into us, a dozen references should take our breath away!

2 Samuel 23: 2 quotes King David’s final words: “The Spirit of the Lord (spoke) by me, and His Word was in my tongue.”  This is a most interesting verse from the end of King David’s life. Not only was God’s Word spoken to David, but it was in his own tongue, to be clearly understood.

Verse 3 continues, “The God of Israel said, ‘The Rock of Israel (spoke) to me, He that ruleth over men must be just, ruling in the fear of God.’”

King David has said the Spirit of Jehovah (Lord) spoke to him; The Rock of Israel (spoke) to him saying, “And He shall be as the light of the morning, when the sun riseth, even a morning without clouds; as the tender grass springing out of the earth by clear shining after rain.”

The Rock of Israel became the Rock of Offense as Israel rejected Jesus. One day their eyes and ears shall be opened, and on that clear, shining morning, Israel shall know Him, just as we do. But in this passage in this verse from 2 Samuel, as Jehovah spoke, of the Rock of Israel, it is the Father speaking of the Son, as given by the Holy Spirit, the unified work of the Holy Trinity.

“And the Lord God formed man of the dust of the ground, and breathed into his nostrils the breath of life; and man became a living soul.” - Genesis 2:7

[2 Sam 23:2; Mat 21:42; Mat 22:31,32,43; Mat 26:54,56; Mar 12:24,36; John 10:35; Acts 1:16; Acts 28:25; Rom 3:2; Rom 15:4; Gal 3:8; Heb 3:7; Heb 4:12; 2 Tim 3:16; 2 Pet 1:19-21]

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 7:13-28 - "Faithful High Priest"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Hebrews 7 portrays Jesus as "Our Great High Priest" in the order of Melchizedek, a superior and eternal priest who offers a perfect and once-for-all sacrifice of himself, rather than the Levitical priests under the Law of Moses.

The idea of a priest, in the biblical sense, is not something we see or experience in our daily lives. But this idea of Jesus as our Great High Priest is essential in understanding his sacrifice on our behalf. Hebrews 5:7-9 says:

"Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;"

The job of the priest, before the life, death, burial, and resurrection of Jesus, was to intercede on behalf of the people with God. The priests made atonement for the sins of the people by sacrificing a lamb, symbolically placing the people’s sin upon a lamb. The problem with this system is that it could never totally satisfy the wrath of God because they were temporary and repetitive.  They were only a shadow not realistic. The Old Covenant sacrifices were largely external rituals that could not transform the inner person. While they provided a means for ceremonial cleansing, they did not address the deeper issue of the human heart. The prophet Jeremiah highlighted this limitation, foretelling a new covenant where God's law would be written on the hearts of His people (Jeremiah 31:31-34).  This internal transformation was something the Old Covenant could not achieve, as it focused on outward compliance rather than inward change. The Earthly priests were also imperfect people themselves, so they had to also make atonement for their own sin.

The priesthood of Jesus, while comparable to an earthly priest, was different because:

Jesus priesthood was better because He was made High Priest in an oath,  "(For those priests were made without an oath; but this with an oath by him that said unto him, The Lord sware and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec:)" (Hebrews 7:21), whereas the Levites were priests because of their lineage (Hebrews 7:11–22).

Jesus' sacrifice was better because He lives forever, allowing Him to continually make intercession for His people, but the Levitical priests' ministry ended when they died and had to be replaced (Hebrews 7:23–25).

Jesus' sacrifice was better because He was sinless and did not have to atone for His own sins, unlike the Levitical priests, who first had to offer sacrifices for their own sins (Hebrews 7:26–27).

Jesus’ priesthood was final. His priesthood was final because the sacrifice that he made on behalf of us was perfect. It was final because the sacrifice he made on our behalf didn’t stay dead. It was final because the sacrifice that he made on our behalf was himself. He, the eternal lamb of God, sacrificed himself, rose from the grave, and then sat down at the right hand of the Father continuing to intercede for us, his followers.

Understanding the self-sacrifice of Jesus, our Great High Priest, should give us a greater love and affection for Jesus, because his self-sacrifice was the greatest act of love ever displayed. We had nothing to offer Jesus except our broken selves. We didn’t deserve his life, we deserved death in the form of eternal separation from. But thanks be to God, Jesus, our Great High Priest has done everything necessary to save us from our sin. We couldn’t earn salvation, we don’t deserve salvation, but have salvation in the name of Jesus Christ.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Another (7:13, 15) - In both cases, the term is "another of a different kind" (heteros), emphasizing the contrast with the Levitical priesthood.

Sprang (7:14) - "Sprang" means "rose" - that is, like the sun.  As the light of the world, Christ rose up out of Judah, but He was not actually descended genetically from Judah, for He was miraculously conceived by God in Mary's Womb.

Carnal (fleshly) Commandment: (7:16) -The law dealt only with the temporal existence of Israel.  The forgiveness which could be obtained even on the Da of Atonement was temporary.  those who ministered as priest under the law were mortals receiving their office by heredity.  the Levitical system was dominated by matters of physical existence and transitory ceremonialism.

Power of an Endless Life (7:16) - Because He is the eternal second person of the Godhead, Christ's priesthood cannot end. He obtained His priesthood, not by virtue of the law, but by virtue of His deity.

Disannulling (7:18) - The law was weak in that it could not save or bring about inward change in a person (cf. Romans 8:3; Galatians 4:9).

The Law Made Nothing Perfect (7:19) - The law saved no one (cf. Romans 3:19, 20); rather, it cursed everyone (cf. Galatians 3:10-13).

A Better Hope (7:19) - This hope rests in Christ Himself, whose redemptive work has accomplished our salvation (Romans 5:1,2).

Draw Nigh (Near) unto God (7:19) - This is the key phrase in this passage.  Drawing near to God is the essence of Christianity as compared with the Levitical system, which kept people outside His presence.  As believer-priests, we are all to draw near to God - that is a characteristic of priesthood.

Oath (7:20, 21) - God's promises are unchangeable, sealed with an oath (cf. :17).  The Melchizedeken priesthood of Christ is confirmed with God's oath in Psalm 110:4.  God's mind on this matter will not change ("relent," v. 21).

Surety (7:22) - This is the only use of the Greek term in the NT and could also be translated "guarantor."  Jesus Himself guarantees the success of His New Covenant of salvation.

A Better Testament (Covenant) (7:22) - The New Covenant (8:8, 13; 9:15).  The first mention of covenant in this epistle is coupled with one of the key themes of the book ("better," cf. verse 19.  This covenant will be more fully discussed in chapter 8.

Many (7:23) - It is claimed that there were eighty-four high priests who served from Aaron until the destruction of the temple by the Romans in A.D. 70.  The lesser priests' numbers were much larger.

Uttermost (7:25) - Virtually the same concept was expressed in perfection (v. 11) and make perfect (v. 19).  The Greek term is used only here and in Luke 13:11 (the woman's body could not be straightened completely).

Intercession (7:25) - The word means "to intercede on behalf of another."  It was used to refer to bringing a petition to a king on behalf of someone.  The writer makes it clear that only Christ is the intercessor (cf. 1 Timothy 2:5).

Daily (7:27) - Whenever the Levitical high priest sinned, he was required to offer sacrifices for himself (leviticuls4:3).  Whenever the people sinned, he also had to offer a sacrifice for them (Leviticus 4:13).  These were daily occasions.  Then, annually, on the Day of Atonement, he had again to offer sacrifices for himself and for the people (Leviticus 16:6, 11, 15), Christ had no sin and needed no sacrifice for Himself.  And only one sacrifice (by Him) was needed- one time only, for all people, for all time.

Once (7:27) - This is a key emphasis in Hebrews.  The sacrificial work of Christ never needed to be repeated, unlike the Old Testament priestly sacrifices.

Word of the Oath (7:28) - God confirmed Christ as High Priest. God's word is eternal!

Morning Message: High Priest Forever

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "High Priest Forever"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The High Priest Melchizedek is back in the text this week, giving us a fuller view of not only him, but of the reasons why a new High Priest was necessarily needed! It was King David who wrote of a new High Priest coming in the future in Psalm 110. It speaks of harsh judgment to those who do not heed His admonishments and His simplified Commandments and Law of that coming high priest, who we worship today, as Jesus the Christ.

It was King David’s description of harsh punishment in Psalm 110 that warns us about rejecting God’s laws and Him! They ignored His good works toward them, and were blinded by their own good works towards their self-righteousness. Then, His description of His enduring love towards all mankind is reiterated in Psalm 111. Both of these Psalms were from King David, essentially songs and Hymns of worship towards Jehovah, for His faithfulness to His own Word.

David’s reign over Isreal was about a millennium (1,000) years before Jesus was born into this world, yet he “saw” this new, coming High Priest through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, and his own familiarity with the words of the Prophets. How excellent is our God to show us things before they occur! They are revealed to supply hope, and to warn us away from the ways of the world.

That avoidance of worldliness is wisdom from above. He even grants us discernment of spirits to show us the way through our lives in a corrupt world, when we ask for that Spiritual Gift. His Word is truly a lamp unto our feet, and a light unto our path. The path, that narrow road, can be filled with potholes, ruts and temptations, because Satan knows that Believers are going to be walking there. Anything he can do to hinder our progress to God’s expected end for us, that’s where Satan will strike. We are therefore encouraged to put on the full Armor of God, as the Apostle Paul wrote in Ephesians 6:10-18.

“For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.” - Romans 15:4

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 7:1-13 - "High Priest Forever"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

Our study takes us to Hebrews 7 this week and teaches that Jesus, a priest in the order of the mysterious King Melchizedek, has a superior, powerful and perfect eternal priesthood that surpasses the temporary, imperfect Levitical priesthood of the Old Testament.

In the Bible, the Melchizedek priesthood is an office that only applied to Christ. Melchizedek is introduced in Genesis 14:18 and is described as the king of Salem and “priest of God.” Abram (later Abraham) offers Melchizedek a tithe and is blessed. The name Melchizedek is the combination of the Hebrew words for “king” and “righteous,” making Melchizedek a righteous, kingly priest.

In Matthew 22 Jesus debates the Pharisees. In verse 44 Jesus cites Psalm 110:1, stating that the Messiah is David’s “lord” in that verse. Melchizedek is mentioned in the same psalm: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek’” (Psalm 110:4). So the Messiah, David’s lord, was given Melchizedek’s priesthood. Melchizedek is therefore a type of Christ—some commentators say Melchizedek’s appearance to Abraham was actually a Christophany, an early revelation of Jesus Christ.

Much of chapters 6 and 7 of the book of Hebrews is given to explaining why Jesus’ Melchizedek priesthood is superior to that of Aaron. Hebrews 7:23–24 implies that Jesus holds His priestly office eternally, using a Greek word that suggests something that cannot be passed down or changed. Hebrews 7:26 calls this priest “exalted” and sinless. For all of these reasons, Christ alone can fulfill the office of the Melchizedek priesthood (Hebrews 6:20).

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Melchisedek (7:1) - The name means "King of Righteousness."  was a king of Salem (Jerusalem) and priest of the Most High God (Genesis 14:18–20; Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:6–11; 6:20—7:28). Melchizedek’s sudden appearance and disappearance in the book of Genesis is somewhat mysterious. Melchizedek and Abraham first met after Abraham’s defeat of Chedorlaomer and his three allies. Melchizedek presented bread and wine to Abraham and his weary men, demonstrating friendship. He bestowed a blessing on Abraham in the name of El Elyon (“God Most High”) and praised God for giving Abraham a victory in battle (Genesis 14:18–20). Abraham presented Melchizedek with a tithe (a tenth) of all the items he had gathered. By this act Abraham indicated that he recognized Melchizedek as a priest who ranked higher spiritually than he. In Psalm 110, a messianic psalm written by David (Matthew 22:43), Melchizedek is presented as a type of Christ. This theme is repeated in the book of Hebrews, where both Melchizedek and Christ are considered kings of righteousness and peace. By citing Melchizedek and his unique priesthood as a type, the writer shows that Christ’s new priesthood is superior to the old Levitical order and the priesthood of Aaron (Hebrews 7:1–10).

Like (7:1) - Literally, "made to be like"; this word is used nowhere else in the New Testament.  The implication is that the resemblance to Christ rests upon the way Melchizedek's history is reported in the Old Testament, not upon Melchizedek himself.  Melchizedek was not the preincarnate Christ, as some maintain, but was similar to Christ in that his priesthood was universal, royal, righteous, peaceful, and unending. 

Here . . . There (7:8) - The adverbs have reference to the Levitical law whose system was still active at the time ("Here") and to the earlier historical incident recorded in Genesis 14 ("there").  The Levitical priesthood changed as each priest died until it passed away altogether, but Melchizedek's priesthood is perpetual since the record about his priesthood does not record his death (cf. v. 3).

Witnessed (7:8) - This "witness" was in Psalm 110:4, where the coming Messiah was recognized by God as "a high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedek."  There could be only one such high priest forever.  The King of Righteousness (meaning of "Melchisedek") who blessed Abraham is also our eternal High Priest, the "one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus (1 Timothy 2:5).

Perfection (7:11) - Throughout Hebrews, the term refers to complete reconciliation with God and unhindered access to God - salvation.  The Levitical system and its priesthood could not save anyone from his sins.

Another (7:13, 15) - In both cases, the term is "another of a different kind" (heteros), emphasizing the contrast with the Levitical priesthood.

Sprang (7:14) - "Sprang" means "rose" - that is, like the sun.  As the light of the world, Christ rose up out of Judah, but He was not actually descended genetically from Judah, for He was miraculously conceived by God in Mary's Womb.

Morning Message: The Witness

Bobservations Column
Titled - "The Witness"
Written by: Pastor Bob Lawrenz

The writer of Hebrews continues to upbraid the Hebrew believers. But are they not believers? In the last chapter, he scolded them for not being ready to teach others. Instead, they just sat around teachers and soaked up whatever words were spoken. It seemed to him that God’s Word (even in the Old Testament) had not taken root in their souls and hearts.

To take root, means that a planting is meant to grow. And is that not then the problem? They were not growing; they still desired the milk of the word. But even more troubling is the vulnerability they create in themselves. If the Gospel has not taken root, then we must assume that their eyes have been opened and they have an interest in learning, but they remain void of discerning whether what they hear is the truth.

Their inability to digest the meat of the word is causing problems in their growth and in their daily walk. Their unwillingness to digest the meat, leaves them weak, and vulnerable to the Judaizers who invariably follow those that preach the Gospel, and turn them aside again.

“The Word became flesh and dwelt among us,” is an odd phrase. Taken literally, it is impossible to conceptualize it, until the Holy Spirit ties it up with a bow and gifts us also with, “Is there anything too hard for God?” Gabriel spoke those words to Mary, and she believed the Angelic Messenger without a problem! And Gabriel was just quoting Jeremiah 32:27 – “Behold, I am the LORD, the God of all flesh: Is there anything too hard for me?”

The history of the Hebrews was filled with miracles large and small. The Word of God had been fulfilled repeatedly throughout their history. God has been 100% faithful to them. Will He not be faithful to all who exercise their faith, and grow to full maturity of Faith? The Word of God is to be believed from the first time we hear it.

“Is anything too hard for the LORD? At the time appointed I will return unto thee, according to the time of life, and Sarah shall have a son.” - Genesis 18:14

Bobservations' Column:  Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 6:1-20 - "The Witness"

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

The problem in this chapter is the desire of converted Jews to go back to the rites of the Old Testament. They put undue emphasis on type rather than antitype; they wanted to abandon the reality for the type. They needed to differentiate between the substance and the shadow. The readers had to grasp the difference between the temporary economy of Judaism and the permanence of Christianity.

The types, ordinances, and ceremonies of the Old Testament economy only foreshadowed the One and His work who was to come. Now that Christ has come and finished His work on the cross, the types have served their purpose. Now shadows are exchanged by substance. All reversion to types diminishes the exclusive sufficiency of Christ and His work.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Leaving (6:1) - This does not mean to despise or abandon the basic doctrines, they are the place to start, not stop. They are the gate of entrance on the road to salvation in Christ.

Principles of the Doctrine of Christ (6:1) - As "the oracles of God" in 5:12 refers to the Old Testament, so does this phrase. The writer is referring to basic Old Testament teaching that prepared the way for Messiah - the beginning teaching about Christ. These Old Testament principles include the six features listed in verses 1 and 2.

Repentance from Dead Works (6:1) - This Old Testament form of repentance is the turning away from evil deeds that bring death (Ezekiel 18:4; Romans 6:23) and turning to God.  Too often the Jew only turned to God ins a superficial fashion - fulfilling the letter of the law as evidence of his repentance.  The inner man was still dead (Matthew 23:25-28; Romans 2:28, 29). Such repentance was not the kind that brought salvation.  Under the new covenant, however, "repentance toward God" is coupled with "faith in our Lord Jesus Christ" (Acts 20:21).  Christ's atoning sacrifice saves from "dead works."

Faith Toward God (6:1) - Faith directed only toward the Father is unacceptable with faith in His Son, Jesus Christ (Acts 4:12; cf. James 2:14-20).

Baptisms (6:2) - A better translation would be "washings" as in 9:10. The Greek term is never used of Christian baptism.  The plural also is inconsistent with the singular concept of Christian baptism.  In the Old Testament Levitical system, there were many ceremonial cleansings, which were outward signs of hear cleansing (cf. Exodus 30:18-21; Leviticus 16:4, 2, 26, 28; Mark 7:4, 8).  The new covenant called for an inner washing (Titus 3:5) that regenerated the soul.

Laying on of Hands (6:2) - Under the Old Covenant, the person who brought a sacrifice placed his hands on it to symbolize his identification with it as a substitute sacrifice for sin (Leviticus 1:4; 3:8, 13; 16:21).  There could also be a reference here to solemn priestly blessings (cf. Matthew 19:13).

Resurrection ... and of Eternal Judgment (6:2) - The Pharisees believed in the resurrection from the dead (Acts 23:8), but were still spiritually dead (Matthew 23:27).  they also believed in the judgment of God and were headed for it.  Significantly, all the doctrines listed in verses 1 and 2 can be associated with the Pharisees, who were attracted to and sometimes associated with Jesus (Luke 7:36-50; 13:31; 14:1; John 3:10.) Paul was a Pharisee before his conversion (Phillipians 3:5).  The Pharisees were products of the pursuit of righteousness by works of the law rather than by faith (Romans 9:30-32; 10:1-3).

We Will Do (6:3) - The writer is likely both giving his own testimony about going on from Old Testament teaching to embrace the New Covenant in Jesus Christ and also identifying himself with the readers.  Salvation always requires God's enablement (cf. John 6:44).

Enlightened (6:4) - They had received instruction in biblical truth which was accompanied by intellectual perception.  Understanding the gospel is not the equivalent of regeneration (cf. 10:26, 32).  In John 1:9 itis clear that enlightenment is not the equivalent of salvation.

Tasted the Heavenly Gift (6:4) - Tasting in the figurative sense in the NT refers to consciously experiencing something (cf. 2:9).  

Partakers of the Holy Spirit (6:4) - Even though the concept of partaking is used in 3:1; 3:14 and 12:8 of a relationship which believers have, the context must be the final determining factor.  This context in verses 4-6 seems to preclude a reference to true believers.  It could be a reference to their participation, as noted above, in the miraculous ministry of Jesus who was empowered by the Spirit, or in the convicting ministry of the Holy Spirit (John 16:8) which obviously can be resisted without experiencing salvation (cf. Acts 7:51).

Tasted (6:5) - This has amazing correspondence to what was described in 2:1-4.  Like Simon Magus (Acts 8:9-24, these Hebrews had not yet been regenerated in spite of all they had heard and seen.  They were repeating the sins of those who died in the wilderness after seeing the miracles performed through Moses and Aaron and hearing the voice of God at Sinai.

Fall Away (6:6) - This Greek term occurs only here in the New Testament.  It was used to translate terms for severe unfaithfulness and apostasy.  It is equivalent to apostasy in 3:12. The seriousness of this unfaithfulness is seen in the severe description of rejection within this verse:  they re-crucify Christ and treat Him contemptuously.  The "impossible" of verse 4 goes with "to renew them again to repentance."  Those who sinned against Christ in such a way had no hope of restoration or forgiveness.  The reason is that they had rejected Him with full knowledge and conscious experience.  With full revelation, they rejected the truth, concluding the opposite of the truth about Christ and thus had no hope of being saved.

Beloved (6:9) - This term shows a change of audience and a change from a message of warning to a message of encouragement.  That the address is to believers is further confirmed by the expression of confidence that "better things" could be said of them.  The "things that accompany salvation" are their works which verify their salvation.

Though We Thus Speak (6:9) - The writer assures the "beloved," those who are believers, that he is confident of their salvation.

Saints (6:10) - All true Christians are saints, or "holy ones." (cf. 13:24; Acts 9;13; Romans 1:7).

You (6:11) - The author is speaking again to unbelievers, but appears to intentionally distance this particular group from the would-be apostates of verses 4-6, who are in danger of being impossible to restore.

Diligence (6:11) - This term can carry the idea of eagerness or haste.  It is a plea for unbelieving Jews to come to Christ immediately.  If these uncommitted Jews followed the example of the active faith of the saints (vv. 9, 10, 12), they would obtain the salvation which gives "full assurance of hope until the end".  Salvation should not be postponed.

Inherit the Promises (6:12) - The inheritance and the promises of salvation are a theme of this epistle.

Two Immutable Things (6:18) - These are God's promise and His oath.  The Greek term behind immutable was used of a legal will, which was unchangeable by anyone but the maker of the will.

Morning Message: Our Great High Priest

Bobservations' Column

Titled - "Our Great High Priest"

Written by:  Pastor Bob Lawrenz

Coming into this world was just the first thing Jesus was called to do as the Word became flesh, prophesied of in Isaiah 7:14. Placing Himself below the angels, Jesus had been raised under the authority of His own creation, descendants of Adam and Eve. But all the things He endured pertained to God, and how He was to bless the world with sacrifices and gifts that He might pass down to His creation, and to their descendants.

The Hebrews to whom this Epistle is addressed are described as being “dull of hearing” in this chapter (5:11). This euphemism describes their inability to grasp the meaning and purposes for the words of God. We find it also in Matthew 13:15 and Acts 28:27 as well. Their hearts were “gross,” or fat, their ears cannot hear, and eyes cannot see. And it is indeed understandable, according to I Corinthians 2:13-14, for they lack the Holy Spirit. Their hearts had become prideful and lifted up because they were God’s Chosen People. His favor was surely upon them, but what did God choose them for? For what purpose, or cause? Why were they special to God?

The Jews were special because God’s purpose for them was to bring forth a Redeemer for all mankind, both Jew and Gentile alike. In and of themselves, they were like every other people, vulnerable to all of Satan’s temptations. If, as it says in Hebrews 5:1, that Jesus was about the things that pertained to His Father, then it is with Him that we are to find our redemption. The glorious prophecies of redemption and salvation can be fulfilled only by our Lord and Savior, and no one else!

“Have ye not known? Have ye not heard? Hath it not been told you from the beginning? Have ye not understood from the foundations of the earth?” - Isaiah 40:21

Bobservations' Column: Audio Version

Sunday Morning Message:

Hebrews 5:1-14 - "Our Great High Priest

Summary/Additional Commentary & Definitions:

The letter is written to Jewish Christians under immense pressure, likely facing persecution and tempted to revert to the familiar and tangible system of Judaism. Central to Judaism was the Temple, the sacrificial system, and the Aaronic priesthood, culminating in the High Priest's entry into the Holy of Holies on the Day of Atonement. The author's argument for Jesus as a superior High Priest directly addresses this core element of their former faith. By proving Jesus's priesthood is not only valid but transcendent, the author aims to prevent apostasy and strengthen their Christian commitment.

The writer of Hebrews has established that we have a great high priest in Jesus who is able to sympathize with our weaknesses because he became like us. Thus, rather than being in fear, we are able to approach the throne of grace with confidence so that we can receive mercy and find the grace we need to help in our time of need.

Hebrews chapter 5 contrasts the temporary Aaronic priesthood with the eternal, superior high priesthood of Jesus Christ. It establishes the essential qualifications for a high priest—divine appointment and human solidarity in weakness—and demonstrates how Christ perfectly fulfills them. He was not a self-appointed priest but was divinely designated according to the order of Melchizedek. His qualification came through His incarnation and profound suffering, which perfected His obedience and made Him the source of eternal salvation. The chapter concludes with a sharp rebuke to the readers for their spiritual immaturity, which hinders their ability to grasp these deeper theological truths.

Sunday Morning Audio Message:

Key Words and Definitions with Reference:

Gifts and Sacrifices (5:1) - The first term might refer to the grain offerings under the Old Covenant, which were for thanksgiving or dedication.  The second term refers to the blood offerings for the expiation of sins (see Leviticus 1-5).  The term "gifts" is used in 8:4 to refer to all of the various sacrifices. 

Have Compassion (5:2) - This verb occurs only here in the New Testament.  It carries the idea of maintaining a controlled by gentle attitude in the treatment of those who are spiritually ignorant and wayward.  Impatience, loathing, and indignation have no part in priestly ministry.  Such moderation and gentleness come from realizing one's own human frailty.  The priest would be reminded of his own sinful humanity every time he offered sacrifices for his own sins (v.3).

Called by God (5:4) - A high priest was selected and called by God into service 9cf. Exodus 28; Numbers 16:1-40; 1 Samuel 16:1-3).

Melchizedek (5:6) - As king of Salem and priest of the Most High God in the time of Abraham, he was also a kin-priest (Genesis 14:18-20).  The Melchizedekian priesthood is discussed in detail in chapter 7.

Who (5:7) - The subsequent context makes it clear that this refers back to Christ, the main subject in verse 5.  In Gethsemane, Jesus agonized and wept, but committed Himself to do the Father's will in accepting the cup of suffering which would bring His death (Matthew 26:38-46; Luke 22:44, 45).  Anticipating bearing the burden of judgment for sin, Jesus felt its fullest pain and grief (cf. Isaiah 52:14; 53:3-5. 10).  Though He bore the penalty in silence and did not seek to deliver Himself from it (Isaiah 53:7), He did cry out from the agony of the fury of God's wrath poured on His perfectly holy and obedient person (Matthew 27:46; cf. 2 Corinthians 5:21).  Jesus asked to be saved from remaining in death, to be resurrected (cf. Psalm 16:9, 10).

Learned Obedience (5:8) - Christ did not need to suffer in order to conquer or correct any disobedience.  IN His deity (as the Son of God), He understood obedience completely.  As the incarnate Lord, He humbled Himself to learn (cf. Luke 2:52).  He learned obedience for the same reasons.  He bore temptation:  to confirm His humanity and experience its sufferings to the fullest.  Christ's obedience was also necessary so that He could fulfill all righteousness (Matthew 3:15) and thus prove to be the perfect sacrifice to take the place of sinners (1 Peter 3:18).  He was the perfectly righteous One, whose righteousness would be imputed to sinners (cf. Romans 324-26).

Perfected...author of Eternal Salvation (5:9) - Because of the perfect righteousness of Jesus Christ and His perfect sacrifice for sin, He became the cause of salvation.

Obey Him (5:9) - True salvation evidences itself in obedience to Christ, from the initial obedience to the gospel command to repent and believe (cf. Acts 5:32; Romans 1:5; 2 Thessalonians 1:8; 1 Peter 1:2, 22; 4:17) to a life patter of obedience to the Word (cf. Romans 6:16).

Of Whom (5:11) - An alternate translation would be "of which" (Meaning the relationship of Christ's high priesthood to that of Melchizedek).  Verse 11 appears to introduce the entire section from 5:11-6:12. The same Greek verb become forms brackets around the section: "become dull" (v. 11) and "become sluggish" (6:12).

Dull (5:11) - The Hebrews' spiritual lethargy and slow response to gospel teaching prevented additional teaching at this time.  This is a reminder that failure to appropriate the truth of the gospel produces stagnation in spiritual advancement and the inability to understand or assimilate additional teaching (John 16:12).  

Teachers (5:12) - Every believer is to be a teacher (Colossians 3:16; 1 Peter 3:15; cf. Deuteronomy 6:7; 2 Timothy 3:15).  If these Hebrews had really obeyed the gospel of Christ, they would have been passing that message on to others.  The Jews were instructed in the law and prided themselves on the fact that they taught the law, but had not really understood or appropriated its truths to themselves (Romans 2:17-23).

Oracles (5:12) - These are contained in the Olt Testament Scripture, which had laid the foundation for the gospel and had been committed into the care of the Hebrews (Romans 3:1, 2).  

Milk (5:12, 13) - Knowledge without obedience does not advance a person.  In fact, by rejecting saving faith, the Hebrews were regressing in their understanding about the Messiah.  They had long enough been exposed to the gospel to be teaching it to others, but were babies, too infantile and unskilled to comprehend, let alone teach, the truth of God.

Word of Righteousness (5:13) - The is the message about the righteousness of Christ which we have by faith (Romans 3:21,22; 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Philippians 3:9; Titus 3:5).  The phrase is equivalent to the gospel of salvation by faith rather than works.

Of Full Age (5:14) - The same Greek root is translated "perfection" in 6:1 and is elsewhere translated "perfect" (7:11, 19, 28; 9:9; 10:1, 14; 11: 40; 12:23).  It is used in Hebrews as a synonym for salvation, the completion which comes when a person becomes a believer in Christ, rather than referring to a Christian who has become mature as is typical. 

Exercised (5:14) - The deeper, more "solid" truths about the priesthood of the Lord Jesus could only be given to those who knew Him as savior.  The person who has come to Christ for spiritual completion is then trained by the Word to discern truth from error and holy behavior from unholy (cf. 2 Timothy 3:16, 17).