20120422
Hebrews 5:1-10 lays out to the hearers/readers the responsibilities of the Jewish high priest. He represents the people before God by offering gifts and sacrifices on their behalf. He should be able to handle the people he is serving who are struggling with temptations or are falling away since the high priest himself also experience the same thing. Given the importance of such a role, the high priest is appointed by God and no one else can take on this high honour.
God chooses his people and God chooses his leaders including priests and high priests. He chose Aaron the first high priest and only Aaron’s descendants could be chosen as high priests for Israel. Jesus the only begotten Son was also chosen and called by God. God, out of love for His people, made the decision to anoint Jesus, his Son, as the Great High Priest. Not just in the past, not only now, but forever and ever He remains our Great Intercessor. When Jesus was on earth, he interceded for His disciples and for us by praying fervently for them and us (ref. Jn. 17:9, 20). He was always in reverent submission to God’s will and in complete obedience despite His sufferings. He was worthy to become the source of our eternal salvation by taking our sins upon Himself and paid the price for us on the cross. Being fully man, He could fully understand what we go through and help us in grace and mercy. Being fully God, He was able to remain blameless despite all the trials, leaving Him worthy to be the sacrificial lamb, to be the Eternal High Priest, in the order of Melchizedek.
This reference to Melchizedek shows how Jesus has personified the unification of King and Priest in one individual. Previously the two offices were separated. However, King Melchizedek was the first person who held the two offices of King of Salem (Peace) and Priest of God Most High (Gen 14:18-20). Thus being in the same order as Melchizedek, Jesus is the King of Righteousness and King of Peace, who is alive and permanently seated at the right hand of God. Thus, we will remember that the person who is interceding for us and showing us His example is not merely anybody. Jesus is King and High Priest – our Intercessor.
