Hebrews 5:1-10 (NRSV)
Read Hebrews 5:1-10 on biblegateway.com
Chapter 5Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. Verse 2He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness; Verse 3and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. Verse 4And one does not presume to take this honor, but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was. Verse 5So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, "You are my Son, today I have begotten you"; Verse 6as he says also in another place, "You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek." Verse 7In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. Verse 8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; Verse 9and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,
Verse 10having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
Devotion
The writer of Hebrews seeks to explain a great mystery: how can Jesus be our Savior? He notes that under the Old Covenant only the High Priest could enter a holy part of the temple to offer sacrifice for the people in the presence of God—and then only once annually. But now, says our author, there is a new kind of High Priest, whose name is Jesus. As God’s own Son, and by direct appointment of God, Jesus assumes the role of direct mediator between God and humanity. He is so much more than a High Priest; He is God’s own Son—with no need any longer to step behind the curtain of the temple.
My grandson asked me, “How can I get closer to God?” To get “closer to God” is available to each one of us through God’s promise in Jesus, the Son of God. He alone is the “source of salvation for all who obey him.” That is superb news to strengthen the confidence and hope of disciples who trust in the promises of God.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, we confess that Jesus alone is Lord. Save us from placing trust in cultural idols that beckon for our worship. Amen.
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