"Called by God as High Priest..."
Text: Hebrews 5:10
STATEMENTS CONCERNING JESUS AS HIGH PRIEST
The author of Hebrews mentioned Jesus a number of times. Let’s recapitulate:-
1. A merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God (Cf. Hebrews 2:17)
2. The Apostle and High Priest of our confession, Christ Jesus (Cf. Hebrews 3:1)
3. A great High Priest who has passed through the heavens (Cf. Hebrews 4:14)
4. Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest (Cf. Hebrews 5:5)
We may now add one more statement to the above.
“Called by God as High Priest according
to the order of Melchizedek”
Hebrews 5:10
APPRECIATING THE HIGH PRIESTHOOD OF JESUS
1. Called by God
a) The word “called” (“prosagoreutheis”) has a very strong meaning.
b) To catch the flavour of this word we may use the following alternative words:-
i) Designated
ii) Decreed
iii) Decided
c) This decision to make Christ Jesus the High Priest was determined and decided upon by God Himself.
2. According to the order of Melchizedek
a) The understanding of Jesus as “High Priest” was not easily comprehended let alone appreciated.
b) The order of Melchizedek was not a theology concept that most people were even aware of.
c) Hence the author of Hebrews felt it necessary to make multiple statements concerning the High Priesthood of Jesus.