Jesus Christ Is PERFECT High Priest

¹ Every high priest is a man (human) chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers sacrifices for their sins. ² And he can deal gently (compassionately) with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses. ³ That is why he must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as theirs. ⁴ And no one can become a high priest simply because he wants such an honor. He must be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was. ⁵ That is why Christ (Messiah) did not honor Himself by assuming He could become High Priest. No, He was chosen by God, … ⁷ While Jesus was here on earth (incarnate, as human flesh), He offered prayers and pleadings, with a loud cry and tears, to the One who could rescue Him from death. And God heard His (Jesus) prayers because of His deep reverence (respect, honor) for God. ⁸ Even though Jesus was God’s Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered. ⁹ In this way, God qualified Him as a perfect High Priest, and He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him. Hebrews 5:1-5, 7-9, New Living Translation 2^nd Edition

In the book of Hebrews, the unknown author gives everyone a history lesson on the Old Testament priesthood and the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah and Hope of Israel) has become our PERFECT High Priest (see Hebrews 5:1-10). Now the Old Testament discussed the living God’s first agreement, also known as covenant or testament, between the living God and His people. In the Old Testament, there were rules and regulations for worship, and there was a sacred sanctuary called the Tent of Meetings or the Tabernacle where the living God dwelled on earth (Hebrews 9:1-2; see also Exodus 25:8).

Originally, the living LORD God selected and ordained a high priest from amongst the people (humans) to come inside and work the Tabernacle (Hebrews 5:1; see also Leviticus 21:10; Hebrews 7:28). This God-appointed high priest represented the people before the living LORD God, and he presented the people’s gifts to God and offered sacrifices for the people’s sins (Hebrews 5:1; see also Hebrews 8:3).

This high priest was only human (see Hebrews 5:1-2). As a human, the high priest dealt patiently and compassionately with sinful and wayward people who do wrong because he was also subject to the same moral weaknesses, temptations, and wrongdoing (Hebrews 5:2-3; see also Hebrews 7:28). That is why the high priest offered gifts and sacrifices for his sins as well as the people’s sins (Hebrews 5:3; e.g., see also Leviticus 4:3; Leviticus 9:7; Leviticus 16:6; Hebrews 7:27-28). However, the high priest’s gifts and sacrifices offered to the living God were only external, and these gifts, sacrifices, and rituals were not able to permanently clear the people’s conscience nor take away their sins (see Hebrews 9:9-10; Hebrews 10:1, 4, 11).

Moreover, the unknown author of Hebrews reminds everyone that no one can appoint oneself as a high priest just because one wants this great honor (Hebrews 5:4; see also Deuteronomy 10:8-9). Only the living LORD God calls and chooses all high priest for this privileged work, just as Aaron and the tribe of Levi were chosen (Hebrews 5:4; see also Numbers 18:1-7). Aaron was Moses’ brother, and Israel’s first high priest (see Exodus 28:1).

In the Old Testament, Aaron and the tribe of Levi were duly ordained and appointed by God to the office of high priest (e.g., see Exodus 30:6-10; Exodus 32:26-29; Numbers 3:6; Deuteronomy 21:5; 1 Chronicles 15:2; 1 Chronicles 23:13). In the past, some people have tried to appoint themselves the honor of God’s high priest only to receive God’s wrath and punishment (e.g., see also, 1 Samuel 13:7-14; 2 Chronicles 26:8, 16-21). Numbers 16 gives an example of an open revolt by two hundred and fifty well-known council members led by Korah, Dothan, and Abiram who wanted more people recognized as priests and received God’s punishment (see Numbers 16:1-7, 40). During the New Testament times, the Roman government selected the high priest by rewarding the priesthood to political favorites.

In the same way, the unknown author of Hebrews announces that the living LORD God commissioned, ordained, and selected His Son Jesus Christ to become His PERFECT High Priest for ALL humankind FOREVER (Hebrews 5:5-6, 9-10; see also Psalm 2:7; Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 1:1-3, 5; Hebrews 6:20; Hebrews 7:17, 21, 24, 28; Revelation 1:17-18). At His resurrection from complete death on Easter, the Lord Jesus ascended to the perfect Tabernacle in heaven to become our High Priest at the throne of grace FOREVER (e.g., see Isaiah 9:7; Hebrews 1:2; Hebrews 4:14-16; Hebrews 7:21, 28; Hebrews 9:11). No Old Testament priest ministered to God forever because each priest died and surrendered the office to his successor (e.g., see Hebrews 7:23-24). Like Aaron and his descendants, the Lord Jesus did not appoint Himself as High Priest, but He was appointed by His Father, the living LORD God – Yahweh (e.g., see Hebrews 5:5-6, 9-10).

The Lord Jesus Christ’s Priesthood is unique. As mentioned above, the Old Testament priesthood belonged to the order of Aaron and the tribe of Levi (e.g., see also, Hebrews 7:5). However, the Lord Jesus was born of the Seed of David from the tribe of Judah, and Moses never mentioned priests coming from Judah (Hebrews 7:14; see also Isaiah 11:1; Micah 5:2; Matthew 2:6; Revelation 5:5). However, the Lord Jesus’s Priesthood belongs to the order of Melchizedek (see Hebrews 5:10), and Melchizedek also was not a descendant of Levi (see Hebrews 7:6). The Lord Jesus became a priest, not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by His Father the living God in the order of Melchizedek (e.g., see Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 7:16-17).

Who is Melchizedek? This mysterious person named Melchizedek is mentioned in only two places in the entire Old Testament — Genesis 14:17-24 and Psalm 110:4. Melchizedek appeared one day in the life of Abraham (then Abram) and was never heard from again. He was a Gentile and not even an Israelite (Jewish) nor from the  tribe of Levi. Melchizedek knew nothing about the Temple nor the Old Testament law, for these came after his time during the time of Moses over four hundred years later. Nevertheless, Melchizedek worshipped the true and living LORD God.

Moreover, the book of Hebrews called Melchizedek both king of the Salem (now called Jerusalem) and a priest of the God Most High (Hebrews 5:6, 10; see also Genesis 14:18; Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 7:1, 17). Thus, Melchizedek was both a priest and a king – a dual office Only in the Lord Jesus and Melchizedek held BOTH offices of king and priest! Yet, the Lord Jesus is our King and High Priest (e.g., see Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:5-9; Zechariah 6:12-13; Matthew 2:2; Matthew 27:11, 37; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 3:1; Hebrews 4:14-16). Even better, the Lord Jesus is also our great Prophet powerful in both word and deed (e.g., Deuteronomy 18:15, 18; Matthew 21:11; Luke 7:16; Luke 24:19; Hebrews 1:1-3). Therefore, the Lord Jesus holds all three roles – King, Priest, and Prophet. Truly, the Lord Jesus Christ (Messiah) – who is the Hope of Israel – is our TOTAL LEADER: a PERFECT King governing justly, a PERFECT Prophet revealing God’s truth, and a PERFECT Priest bring God and people together!

The Old Testament teaches that Melchizedek met father Abraham (Abram) and blessed him when Abraham was returning home after winning a great battle against the kings (Hebrews 7:1, 6-7; see also Genesis 14:18-20). Abraham took a tenth of all he had captured in battle and gave an offering to Melchizedek (see Hebrews 7:2, 4, 6). Abraham was the father of the Jewish nation and Levi, who was Abraham’s descendant. The book of Hebrews describes the priesthood of Melchizedek superior to the Jewish priesthood, who was made up of Levi's descendants. Melchizedek's priesthood was a type of Jesus Christ's priesthood (Hebrews 5:6, 10; see also Hebrews 2:17; Hebrews 6:20).

The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace” (see Hebrews 7:2). Another translation defines Melchizedek as the “king of righteousness” (see Hebrews 7:2, NIV2011). There is no record of Melchizedek’s father or mother or any of his ancestors (see Hebrews 7:3). The book of Hebrews notes that Melchizedek has no beginning nor end to his life (see Hebrews 7:3). Melchizedek remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God (Hebrews 7:3; see also Hebrews 5:6, 10). Accordingly, Melchizedek becomes a picture of our Lord Jesus who is both Priest and King forever (see Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 6:20). Like Melchizedek, the Lord Jesus is “King of Righteousness” and “King of Peace” (Hebrews 7:2; see also Isaiah 9:6-7; Isaiah 11:5-9).

Next, the book of Hebrews teaches that while the Lord Jesus lived and walked the earth as a human (Incarnation), He lead a prayerful and obedient life to His Father, the living LORD God of heaven and earth (Hebrews 5:7-8; see also Mark 1:35; Mark 6:46; Luke 5:16; Luke 6:12; Luke 9:18, 28; Luke 11:1). Particularly, Jesus was in great agony as He prepared to face death for the sins of the world at Calvary’s Cross (e.g., see Luke 22:41-44). The Lord Jesus Christ prayed with strong crying and agony of soul to His Father the living LORD God to protect and save Him from the His agony and death on the Cross (Hebrews 5:7; e.g., see Matthew 26:39, 42, 44; Matthew 27:46, 50; Mark 14:36, 39; Mark 15:34, 37; Luke 22:41-44; Luke 23:46; John 12:27). As He faced the Cross, the Lord Jesus knew He would be made sin in His body and separated from His Father (e.g., see Isaiah 53:4, 11; Romans 8:3; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 7:27-28; Hebrews 9:27-28; 1 Peter 2:24). Yet, Jesus recognized His Father the living God was Almighty, and all things are possible with Him (Hebrews 5:7; see also Jeremiah 32:17, 27; Matthew 19:26; Mark 9:23).

The living LORD God heard His Son’s pleads and prayers because of Jesus’ continual faithfulness, reverence, and obedience to His Father (Hebrews 5:7; see also John 5:30). The living God always responds to His faithful and obedient children (e.g., see Psalm 145:18-19; Proverbs 15:8, 29; Isaiah 59:2; John 9:31; James 5:16). As He lived and walked the earth, the Lord Jesus perfectly obeyed and fulfilled His Father’s moral laws and commandments (e.g., see Matthew 5:17-20; Romans 3:31; Romans 10:4; Hebrews 4:15). From birth to death, the Lord Jesus experienced all the same temptations, weaknesses, and sufferings as all humans and yet He never once rebelled and sinned against His Father, the living LORD God (Hebrews 4:15; see also 2 Corinthians 5:21; 1 Peter 2:22; 1 John 3:5). Jesus always lived in full submissions to His Father’s will and calling (e.g., see John 6:38). Even though the Lord Jesus was the living LORD God’s only begotten Son (e.g., see Hebrews 1:1-2), He learned from experience to obey His Father, even if His obedience meant suffering and pain (Hebrews 5:8; see also Mark 14:36; Philippians 2:7-8).

Thus, the Lord Jesus proved Himself to be our PERFECT High Priest (see Hebrews 7:26-28). Because of His obedience to His Father, the Lord Jesus proved Himself to be the perfectly equipped as our High Priest (see Hebrews 5:9). Consequently, the living LORD appointed His Son Jesus Christ to become the Source and Giver of eternal salvation and righteousness to all who trust and obey Him (Hebrews 5:9; see also 1 Corinthians 1:30; 2 Corinthians 5:21; Hebrews 2:10; Hebrews 12:2).  

Therefore, the Lord Jesus now calls ALL PEOPLE who call upon His Name for salvation to REPENT and TURN AWAY from sin and live for righteousness (e.g., see Acts 20:21, 24; Acts 26:15-18, 20, Romans 6:1-2, 11, 13; 1 Corinthians 15:34; Titus 2:12; 1 Peter 2:24). The Lord Jesus can save fully and to the uttermost EVERYONE who comes to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25; see also John 14:6). The Lord Jesus assures all believers (disciples) who call on His Name in REPENTANCE and OBEDIENCE forgiveness of sins with His Father, the living God (e.g., see Luke 8:21; Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38; Acts 4:12; Acts 5:31; Acts 10:34-35; 43; Acts 13:38-39). Through our continual faith and obedience to His Father the living God, Jesus Christ gives His people salvation forever (e.g., see Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 9:12). Therefore, let everyone REPENT of our sins and TURN with wholehearted FAITH and OBEDIENCE to the living God found in His Son, Jesus Christ (e.g., see Hebrews 12:1-2).

The Lord Jesus lives forever to mediate and intercede with God on behalf of His faithful believers (disciples) (Hebrews 7:25; see also Romans 8:34; 1 Timothy 2:5; Hebrews 9:24). As believers in Jesus Christ, we can always run to our PERFECT High Priest at any time, in any circumstance, and find the help that we need (see Hebrews 4:14-16)! In the heavens, the Lord Jesus as our PERFECT High Priest is at the right hand of the living God interceding, mediating, and pleading with His Father for all believers for all who confess true faith and obedience in Him (e.g., see Romans 8:34; Hebrews 7:25; Hebrews 9:24; 1 John 2:1).

Amazingly, the Lord Jesus is not only our GREAT High Priest, but He is also God’s final sacrifice for humanities’ sin problem (e.g., see Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 9:12; Hebrews 10:10, 12-14). In the Old Testament system, every priest stood daily at his service, repeatedly offering the same gifts and sacrifices, which could never take away sins (e.g., see Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 10:11). However, the Lord Jesus Christ our Savior became God’s once-for-all a fragrant offering and sacrifice to God for our sins on Calvary’s Cross (e.g., see John 1:29; John 6:51; Romans 4:25; Galatians 1:4; Galatians 2:20; Ephesians 5:25; Titus 2:14). Now, our gracious High Priest gives salvation to EVERYONE who approaches Him in faith!

References

ESV Study Bible, English Standard Version (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2008).

New Student Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 1992).

The Living Bible Paraphrase (Tyndale House, 1971).

Zondervan NIV Study Bible (Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan, 2008).

Wiersbe, Warren W. Bible Exposition Commentary – New Testament (Victor Books, 1989).