Why should I read Hebrews 5?

After each chapter I want to pause and reflect and ask this question. Why?

If you are wondering if your sinful actions have disqualified you in some way then read this chapter.

Jesus is your High Priest who intercedes for you and the reason why He is good at that is because He has walked your life but was without sin, v1-4.

Jesus can see life through your perspective and as He does He understands you.

If you want to know about being called by God then read this chapter.

Jesus did not reach out for this role but it came to Him. A calling is a holy appointment, v5-7.

In the Old Testament there was no individual who was a Priest and at the same time the King. That was always seen as the role of the Messiah symbolised by one figure only, found in Genesis 14, Melchizedek. This individual symbolised the role that Christ would be given. He was chosen for this role. Others had through sheer ignorance tried to take it. For example, King Uzziah decided one day to try and look like a priest by offering incense and he ended the moment with a deadly leprosy. Be careful what you reach for. Let your appointment come to you, don’t grab and don’t be apathetic towards it either.

If you want to know how to survive a crushing period of your life then read this chapter.

Jesus offered up tearful prayers in the Gethsemane but demonstrated how to stay obedient to do the perfect will of God, v7-10.

Jesus’ suffering commenced with his anticipation of his own crucifixion and death and being cursed by His Father. You know the feeling of anticipation very well. It is not always the anticipation of Christmas or a birthday party. It can be a dark shadow experience that you know you have to go through. Perhaps you haven’t gone through this way before and you are afraid but Jesus is praying for you that you will hold on and stay obedient even in the darkest moment. And like Jesus you will be delivered at some point and in some way. There is always a resurrection for those who follow.

If you want to safeguard yourself from slipping away from the faith then read this chapter. 

It’s not only about hearing what the Word says but it is about doing. The community of believers were not growing how they should. Life is about discipleship, v11-14.

Following Jesus is to grow in knowledge and wisdom and that does take time. The time is not age-related but the time you spend in reading the Bible, hearing it being taught, praying and looking at your world through the perspective of your Priest and King.

That’s why Hebrews 5 should be read.