Near to the Heart of God: A Study of the Book of Hebrews Lesson 11 Hebrews 5:1-10 High Priests and the Great High Priest

I.Introduction A.“He’s not much, but he’s all we’ve got.” B.Themes in Hebrews 1.From good to better (Hebrews 1:4; 3:1-6; 7:19, 22; 8:6). 2.From “shadow” to “substance” (Colossians 2:16-17; Hebrews 8:1-2; 9:11, 24; 10:1) 3.From Aaronic priesthood to Christ, to the better order of Melchizedek (Heb. 4:14—10:39) C.Aaron: Does clothing make the man? See Exodus 28; Leviticus 16

High Priest’s Clothing

The High Priest

Remembrance Stones

Two Onyx Stones

Urim and Thummim

The Turban and Crown

The Robe

The Pomegranates and Bells

Priestly Garments slides from: stly_garments-2.htm

I.Introduction D.Things about Aaron that are hard to forget 1.The golden calf incident (Exodus 32) 2.Lot’s sons’ (Nadab and Abihu’s) “strange fire” (Leviticus 10:1) 3.Aaron’s rebellion against Moses (Num. 12) 4.Moses always seems to be the mediator when there is a crisis. 5.“Is this the best the grace of God can do?” E.Thank God for Melchizedek (Gen. 14:18-20; Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5-7 [8X]) F.The Structure of our text. 1.Qualifications of the high priest (5:1-4) 2.The qualifications of Christ (5:5-10)

I.Introduction G.Christ our High Priest in Hebrews 1-4 The Son is the radiance of his glory and the representation of his essence, and he sustains all things by his powerful word, and so when he had accomplished cleansing for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high (Heb. 1:3). 17 Therefore he had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in things relating to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people. 18 For since he himself suffered when he was tempted, he is able to help those who are tempted (Heb. 2:17-18).

I.Introduction G.Christ our High Priest in Hebrews Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, partners in a heavenly calling, take note of Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess, 2 who is faithful to the one who appointed him, as Moses was also in God’s house (Heb. 3:1-2). 14 Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession. 15 For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin. 16 Therefore let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and find grace whenever we need help (Heb. 4:14-16).

II.Job Description and Qualifications of the Old Testament high priests (5:1-4) A.Job description: To represent men before God by offering gifts and sacrifices for sins (5:1) B.Qualifications 1.Humanity – taken from among men 2.Purity / Access to God 3.Empathy and compassion 4.Authority

III.Qualifications of Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest A.Job description: To represent men before God by offering gifts and sacrifices for sins (5:1).

III.Qualifications of Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest B.Qualifications 1.Humanity (2:9-17, esp. vss. 14, 17) 2.Purity / Access to God (1:1-4; 2:14,17; 4:14; 5:7-9) 3.Empathy and compassion (2:17-18; 4:15; 5:7-8) 4.Authority (5:5-6) 5.Longevity (5:6; contrast Numbers 35:25-28)

IV.Conclusion A.Tracing the flow of the argument 1.He made purification of sins (1:3) 2.Made like His brethren... to make propitiation for the sins of the people (2:17) 3.Our apostle and high priest (3:1-2) 4.A great high priest who has passed through the heavens (4:14), and yet can sympathize with our weaknesses because He was tempted, yet without sin (4:15). 5.We should hold fast our confession(4:14) and draw near with confidence (4:16). 6.We have Old Testament precedent for such a great high priest (5:1-4). 7.Our Lord’s credentials are superior (5:5-10)

IV.Conclusion B.John Piper: role of Old Testament Scriptures C.Note how the author has linked Kingship and Priesthood and eternality. D.The ideal for a high priest is not Aaron, but Melchizedek. E.The model for human / earthly priesthood is corporate, not individual. (The pastor as the priest) F.Empathy toward the weak (is not a fallen leader, but a “perfected” High Priest – Jesus) G.We can be confident in the only One who is qualified, and who cannot fail. H.Clothing does make the man (Adam and Eve, Aaron, and us).