face2face
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Absolutely.
Let's start here...
You added the name Jesus to this verse. You changed it's meaning by doing that. Let's look at that passage in context.
Hebrews 5
1 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.
2 He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.
3 Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins.
First we notice there is no mention of Jesus. The high priest in this passage was chosen from among men. That's not how Jesus became the high priest. He wasn't voted in by men. He was given to us by God.
Next we notice the high priest is required to offer sacrifices for sins. Where is it stated that Jesus made these sacrifices?
The high priest is subject to weakness because he is just like those around him. He does not have the Spirit residing inside him as Jesus did.
Verse 2 is making reference to your typical high priest, not Jesus.
Thoughts?
o
I introduced Jesus’ name to show that Jesus fulfilled the requirements of the High Priest perfectly (in every way). This is the intent of the writer who is making a comparison between the Aaronic Order and the Priesthood which is after the order of Melchizedek.
The purpose of the first part of this chapter (verses. 1-10) is to corroborate the position arrived at in the conclusion of Hebrew 4… that we have in Christ a true High Priest sufficient for all our needs.
This is done by analysing the conception of a high priest, and observing that Christ in all respects fulfils it.
We ask, how was Jesus “tempted in all points” as you Job? (Note: No mention of a supernatural Satan in all of Hebrews – concerning I know, but context is king!)
Well, for that to happen (and to uphold God’s righteousness) Jesus was made in every way like you & I.
Jesus was born of a woman. Galatians 4:4 – death (a corrupting nature, condemnation etc) no longer has hold over Jesus - Romans 6:9
So it’s about nature isn’t it?
We ask, how is Jesus suitable to be our High Priest?
Well…
EVERY High Priest is taken from among men, none more so than the very Son of Man! Hebrews 5:1; Hebrews 2:6
That’s the whole point of the writers thoughts…
Jesus was taken from among men – meaning he came out of man, not as you suggest being merely chosen by men, because Aaron was also chosen and appointed by God.
Now Hebrews 5:1 is based on Chapter 4
4:15 For we do not have a high priest (Jesus) incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.
So how was Jesus subject to weakness? In what way did Jesus satisfy this idea of weakness? AND how is Jesus able to sympathise with those with this weakness?
We learn from the writer that Jesus was subject to weakness and while tempted in every way, he never faulted, and no guile or sin was found in his mouth, but weakness was in Jesus – WHAT weakness?
The Apostle Paul picks up on this point in 2 Corinthians 13:4 bringing Jesus, His Sacrifice and us all together in one view.
For to be sure, he was crucified in weakness, yet he lives by God's power. Likewise, we are weak in him, yet by God's power we will live with him in our dealing with you.
So what are the Apostles teaching us?
The high priest’s office being to mediate between man and God, Jesus should be of the same nature, and sympathetic with those in whose behalf he mediates; and that his credentials are split between the Son of Man & Son of God, i.e. that God himself has given him life and appointed him to spiritually represent mankind before Him in every way.
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