HEBREWS 5:1-10

THE EXCLUSIVITY OF THE SOURCE

November 29, 2015

David Bartosik

Hebrews 5:1-10 ESV: For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

In order for us to hold as tightly as we possibly can to Jesus the author compares and contrasts the Old Testament Priests with the ultimate High Priest.  

Old Testament High Priests had a special role in the sacrificial system.

Jesus, the Great High Priest, has a completely unique role in providing salvation for us.

Life Group Questions

 WHAT DOES IT MEAN?

1. How would you summarize 4:11-16

2. Where were the Old Testament Priests chosen from?

3. Why do you think the author includes the idea that the priests had to offer sacrifices for themselves?

4. Why is it important that Jesus was a high priest “chosen among men” like all the others?

5. Is the prayer of Jesus referring to a specific time period and what does it mean that “[he] was able to save him from death”?

6. What does it mean that Jesus was “heard because of his reverence”?

7. What does it mean that Jesus “learned obedience”?  What were the “sufferings” according to v 8?

8. What is the author trying to communicate by saying “he became the source of eternal salvation”?

9. Why does the author make the source of eternal salvation a conditional statement?

10. What is the obedience referencing in v 9?

11. How would you summarize 5:1-10?

HOW DOES IT APPLY?

 1. What does knowing Christ fulfilling the role of being ultimate priest illicit in your mind and heart?  Why do you not need anyone to mediate between you and God? How does that make you feel?

2. Have you ever pursued a priest to talk to God for you? Why? Was that necessary?

3. Why would some worldviews say you must have a mediator in order to go before God?

4. Why is it important that Jesus is fully qualified to be our only source for salvation?

5. When you speak with others both in and outside of the church about Jesus being the only source, how do you go about that?  Is there a best way to have that conversation?  Explain.