How does Hebrews 5:5 affirm Jesus' divine appointment as High Priest? Setting the Scene in Hebrews • Hebrews 5:1-4 explains that every earthly high priest is chosen by God, offers sacrifices for sin, and never appoints himself. • The writer then turns to Jesus, showing that all those requirements are fulfilled—and surpassed—in Him. The Text Itself “So also Christ did not take upon Himself glory in becoming a high priest, but He was called by the One who said to Him: ‘You are My Son; today I have become Your Father.’” Key Observations • “Did not take upon Himself” – Jesus’ priesthood is not self-conferred; it is granted. • “He was called” – the verb underscores an authoritative summons from the Father. • The quotation is Psalm 2:7, originally spoken by God to the Messianic King. By inserting it here, Hebrews links Sonship and priesthood in one divine decree. Divine Appointment Versus Self-Promotion • Verse 4: “No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God.” • Verse 5 applies that rule directly to Christ. The Father’s calling means Jesus’ priesthood is legitimate, heavenly, and permanent—unlike self-appointed religious figures (John 10:12-13). Sonship Seals the Calling • Psalm 2 presents the eternal decree: God publicly recognizes the Messiah as His Son. • By quoting Psalm 2:7 at the moment Jesus is designated High Priest, Hebrews shows that: – His priesthood is grounded in His unique relationship to the Father. – The same authority that declares, “You are My Son,” simultaneously installs Him as High Priest. – Sonship guarantees both intimacy with the Father and authority over humanity (John 5:22-23). Linking to the Resurrection • Acts 13:33 applies Psalm 2:7 to the resurrection: “He has fulfilled for us…by raising up Jesus.” • The empty tomb is God’s historical, public endorsement of Jesus’ priestly work—proof that the appointment was accepted and validated. Priest Forever—Confirmed by Oath • Hebrews 5:6 immediately adds Psalm 110:4: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” • Hebrews 7:21 notes this came with an oath: “The Lord has sworn and will not change His mind.” • Together, Psalm 2 (Son) + Psalm 110 (Priest) = a twin, irrevocable heavenly decree. Greater Than Aaron • Aaronic priests were mortal, repeated sacrifices, and served only Israel. • Jesus is eternal (“forever”), offers one perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 9:26), and intercedes for all who “come to God through Him” (Hebrews 7:25). • Because His appointment is rooted in divine Sonship, He embodies both King and Priest—functions never united in Aaron. Practical Implications for Believers • Confidence: Our Mediator stands in a role God Himself established. • Assurance: Since the Father appointed Him, the Father accepts His sacrifice. • Access: “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence” (Hebrews 4:16), knowing the High Priest there bears the Father’s own endorsement. |
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