Hebrews 5:1-10

1. Read Hebrews 5:1–4. According to verses 5:1–3, what was the role of a high priest in the Old Testament? Why did Israel need high priests? For help, read Hebrews 9:1–10.

2. What do you notice about the humility of priests in verses 2 and 3? What is the relationship between sympathy and the role of the priest?

3. Why do you think God cares so much about His people’s holiness? For help, see Matthew 5:8, 2 Corinthians 7:1, and Ephesians 5:5.

4. Read Hebrews 5:4–10. Melchizedek is a mysterious figure who only appears twice in the Old Testament. Read Genesis 14:17–24 and Psalm 110. Try to figure out what the author of Hebrews is talking about. It’s okay if you cannot—just give it your best shot!

Melchizedek is mentioned only twice in the Old Testament. He represents a different kind of priesthood than Aaron and the Levites, who would all inevitably die and have to be replaced. They could never guarantee an ongoing presence with God who would intervene for the people. Melchizedek is invoked here as a symbol pointing to a better priesthood, one with no beginning and no ending. What Melchizedek symbolizes, Christ realized. As Hebrews 7:3 says, Jesus is a better priest, “having neither beginning of days nor end of life.” In Christ, we have a true and eternal mediator between God and man.

5. Contemplate the eternality of Christ. What are some temporary things people today are prone to putting their hope in? How is Jesus better?

6. Spend some time in honest prayer before God. Contemplate the reality that if you are in Christ, there is now no dividing wall between you and Him. You can enter into His presence right now, fully covered in the cleansing blood of Christ.