“So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.”– Hebrews 5:5 (KJV)
“That is why Christ did not honor himself by assuming he could become high priest. No, he was chosen by God, who said to him, ‘You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.’– Hebrews 5:5 (NLT)
“Neither did Christ glorify himself to become a high priest, but it was he who said to him, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’– Hebrews 5:5 (MSG)
What Does Hebrews 5:5 Mean?
In this verse, we witness a defining moment in the relationship between Jesus and God the Father. It explains that Jesus did not self-appoint himself to the role of high priest. Instead, He was appointed by God. This establishes a significant foundation for understanding Christ’s role in the Christian faith. We must grasp the importance of divine appointment in our own lives, as it reinforces the concept of being chosen and affirmed by God for specific purposes.
When Jesus came to earth, He had a mission. He was sent to fulfill God’s plan, and part of that plan was to serve as the ultimate high priest. The role of a high priest in ancient Israel was vital. The high priest was responsible for mediating between God and His people. They made sacrifices for the sins of the people, maintaining the covenant relationship between God and humanity. In this verse, we learn that Christ’s role as high priest was not one He claimed for Himself but was instead given to Him by God.
Hebrews 5:5 Explanation and Commentary
This verse helps clarify that Jesus’ high priestly role is unique. He was appointed by God, which sets Him apart from any human high priest who served in the Old Testament. Human priests were imperfect and sinned like everyone else. They needed to offer sacrifices for their own sins before they could intercede on behalf of the people. Jesus, however, was without sin, making Him the perfect sacrifice and high priest.
This very concept of being chosen affects how we view ourselves. Just as Jesus was appointed, we too have been chosen for specific roles in our lives. This could be in our families, communities, or even our workplaces. Recognizing that we have a purpose and are appointed by God can lead us to live more fulfilling and impactful lives.
As we consider the role of Jesus as our high priest, we find comfort in knowing that He understands our struggles and temptations. He was human, experiencing life just as we do. In Hebrews 4:15, we are reminded that He was tempted in every way, just as we are, yet He did not sin. This deepens our understanding of His empathy and our ability to approach Him with confidence in our times of need. When we are weary or burdened, we can draw near to Him and find the grace and strength to carry on.
Furthermore, the expression “today I have begotten thee” emphasizes God’s ongoing relationship with Jesus. God is affirming not just Jesus’ identity as His Son but His active role as high priest. This relationship is crucial because it highlights God’s initiative in providing a way back to Him through Jesus.
Context of Hebrews 5:5
To appreciate the meaning of Hebrews 5:5 thoroughly, we must view it within its broader context, particularly the surrounding chapters that focus on Jesus’ priesthood. The book of Hebrews is concerned with the superiority of Christ—a recurring theme throughout. In chapters 1 and 2, the author establishes Christ’s divine nature and His exalted position over all creation. Here, in chapter 5, the focus shifts to Jesus’ role as a high priest, echoing the author’s argument regarding the need for a perfect mediator between God and humankind.
The early recipients of this letter, likely Jewish Christians, were being reminded of the significance of Jesus as the promised Messiah. They were accustomed to the sacrificial system of the Old Testament, so the discussion about Jesus not just being a priest but the ultimate high priest was pivotal. It encouraged them to see how Jesus’ priesthood fulfilled and transcended the old system, offering a better hope and a more perfect covenant.
Understanding this context allows us to appreciate the immense significance of this one verse. It is not just a statement about Jesus’ ministry; it also affirms God’s sovereignty in establishing the relationship between humanity and divinity. We often find ourselves returning to these foundational concepts in our faith, reflecting on how God is actively involved in our lives, guiding and directing us according to His plan.
Breaking Down the Key Parts of Hebrews 5:5
Let’s break down some of the key components of this verse further. The first critical part is the phrase “Christ did not glorify himself.” This statement reminds us that humility was at the core of Jesus’ ministry. He did not seek accolades or honors; His purpose was to honor God’s plan. In a world where self-promotion is often celebrated, we are challenged to follow Christ’s example of humility in our lives, using our gifts and responsibilities to serve others rather than elevate our own status. Philippians 2:3-4 urges us to do nothing out of selfish ambition or vain conceit but to consider others better than ourselves.
Next, we see the term “high priest.” The role of the high priest within the Jewish tradition was essential. They were seen as the spiritual leaders responsible for the atonement of sins and maintaining the relationship with God through sacrifices. However, these human priests were limited in their ability to handle sin due to their own shortcomings. The implication is that Jesus as high priest is a far more effective mediator. He is perfect and sinless, making His sacrifices on our behalf infinitely powerful and effective.
When God declares, “You are my Son,” it emphasizes the unique identity of Jesus. He is not just a messenger but a beloved son, which evokes a sense of intimacy in God’s relationship with Him. This is an extraordinary truth we can cling to, as believers, knowing that we too are considered children of God through our faith in Jesus Christ. As written in John 1:12, to all who received Him, He gave the right to become children of God—what an amazing gift that is!
Lessons to Learn From Hebrews 5:5
This one verse from Hebrews carries profound truths that can enrich our spiritual walks. One essential lesson is the importance of divine calling. Just as Christ was appointed, we each receive unique purposes in our lives. Often, we may find ourselves questioning our worth or contributions, but we can step back and remember that God has placed us where we are for a reason. Each of us has a role to play in our families, churches, and communities. Embracing our calling allows us to contribute to this great tapestry of life, serving God and others.
Another critical takeaway is the significance of humility. Jesus modeled humility throughout His ministry. His example compels us to be less focused on ourselves and more on the needs of others. Only when we let go of our ambitions can we genuinely serve and love those around us. The Bible reminds us in Matthew 20:26-28 that the greatest among us must be like the servant, emphasizing that true greatness is expressed through serving others selflessly.
This brings us to the comfort we find in Christ as our high priest. When we struggle or experience challenges, we can turn to Him, knowing He empathizes with our feelings and struggles. We can approach Him with confidence, knowing He hears our prayers and can intercede on our behalf. 1 Peter 5:7 advises us to cast all our anxiety on Him because He cares for us. This is a reminder that we are not alone; we have a loving Savior who is always available to support us.
Lastly, the relationship highlighted in this verse between God and Jesus reminds us of our connection to God through Christ. We are invited into fellowship with Him, and this relationship can transform the way we live our lives. We can rest assured that through faith in Christ, we become participants in God’s family, allowing us to embrace our identity as His children and heirs.
Final Thoughts
Hebrews 5:5 offers us a condensed insight into the nature of Jesus Christ as our high priest and emphasizes God’s divine plan for redemption. As we grow in our understanding of this truth, we are encouraged to enthusiastically consider our roles, be humble servants, and accept the comfort found in Christ’s constant presence in our lives. Remembering God’s initiative to appoint Jesus reassures us of His active participation in our journey, blessing us with purpose and direction.
As we reflect on these fundamental truths, let us strive to embody the humility of Christ in our lives. It calls us to love and serve others as He did. Embracing our divine calling puts us on a path to growth and fulfillment, leading us closer to God and allowing us to be a blessing to others. If you wish to explore more topics in the Bible, consider visiting this site to broaden your understanding of God’s Word.