This Friday, we discussed Hebrews 5. Here are some of the questions/topics we covered: What is a high priest and what do they do? (Hebrews 5:1) they represent men by offering sacrifices for man’s sins to God What does 5:2 mean by “[the high priest] himself is subject to weakness?” This refers to the Levitical priesthood–priests who themselves were sinful men who also needed forgiveness What are the implications of 5:2? Levitical priests could never fully save men from their sin. The cycle of sin-sacrifice could only go on interminably… Why does 5:8 say Jesus needed to be “made perfect” (he learned obedience from what he suffered, and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him)? Another word for “perfect,” in this case, is “complete.” Mervyn gave the example of a clay pot that has not been fired. Although it is a beautiful pot, until it is fired and glazed, it’s not perfect–that is complete–as a pot. Likewise, Jesus could not complete his mission of saving fallen humanity until He himself understood our condition completely by coming down to our level and tasting suffering…not vicariously, but personally. What does it mean to cry to God? (5:7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with loud cries and tears to the one who could save Him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission) It’s okay to tell God when it hurts. (Remember Jesus in Gethsemane?) This isn’t about being childish or whiny. God loves us–He understands and wants to comfort us when we are genuinely in pain. But we have to admit that we are in pain, and seek His comfort. uscadventists.wordpress/2013/09/28/5-our-great-high-priest/
Posted on: Sat, 28 Sep 2013 07:16:15 +0000