4.2.2015 Maundy Thursday Hebrews 5:1-14 Jesus a Great High Priest
The Last Supper
Hebrews claims that Christ is superior to
the Jewish high priest. He is superior because of His origin (v.5) and His
destiny as the heavenly priest in the heavenly sanctuary (v.6) Moreover, Christ
was appointed high priest by God. He can act in behalf of sinners because he,
too, was human (Vv. 2,3) Yet this high priest was vulnerable because He was
human (Vv.7-10) Some scholars consider verse 7 to be Hebrews’ account of
Gethsemane. He learned obedience through His suffering. As a result God
appointed Him high priest of the order of Melchizedek. It is important to note
that Christ’s work as high priest begins in heaven. His suffering and death were preparatory for
it.[2]
God appointed Jesus as High Priest after
the order of Melchizedek. Even though Jesus was God’s Son He learned to be
obedient from the things He suffered. When He became the perfect Son He became
the creator of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him. Today the focus of
Holy Week becomes heightened with the remembrance of Christ’s institution of
His Supper, the events surrounding Good Friday, followed by Jesus rest in the
tomb and His glorious resurrection. The writer to the Hebrews reminds us that
Jesus our Great High Priest suffered for your sins, and the sins of the entire
world. He learned obedience through suffering. It is His suffering and death
that not only brings you close to God. It is the proper payment, the sacrifice for your sin.
Almighty Father, whose
dear Son, on the night before he suffered, instituted the Sacrament of his Body
and Blood: Mercifully grant that we may receive it thankfully in remembrance of
Jesus Christ our Lord, who in these holy mysteries gives us a pledge of eternal
life; and who now lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God,
forever and ever. Amen[3]
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