18 January 2021

In 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. Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

The writer of the letter to the Hebrews would have known that the Jewish High Priests were held in great esteem and respect. The role of these priests was to mediate between the people and God. They wore special clothes, their role was hereditary, they offered sacrifices and performed special rites. To the ordinary people, they would have seemed godlike. For the purpose of encouraging the new Christians of this Hebrew community who were tempted to return to Judaism, it was important to show them that the had their own High Priest. Christ is described as being superior to any of the High Priests of Israel. Christ’s priesthood is linked to that of Melchizidek, the priestly king whose priesthood had an eternal value which was not tainted with the idolatry and abuse that had marked some from the tribe of Levi who were the High Priests of the Jewish religion. Christ’s obedience to his father and his perfection through suffering mark him out as a very different High Priest – not one who was above the people but one who shared their humanity and who was prepared to suffer and die for them.

• • What difference might it have made to the Hebrew community to know that Christ was their High Priest? 
  • Why did Christ need to learn obedience?

Pray for anyone you know who is suffering at this present time.