4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet

4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet was without sin.

16 Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.

5:1 Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.


What is a priest?What is a priest?


What is a priest?What is a priest?Why have priests?Why have priests?





Instituted by God because of

“holiness”





Must be human


5:1 Every high priest is selected from among men and is appointed to represent them in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins.A go-between



Brings symbols of gratitude or atonement

to God

2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.

2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness.

Brings sympathy and understanding from

God to us

3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.

3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people.

Ritual cleansing qualifies him to approach God

4 No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.

4 No one takes this honor upon himself; he must be called by God, just as Aaron was.

Aaron: the first Levitical priest

5 So Christ also did not take upon himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, "You are my Son; today I have become your Father."

6 And he says in another place, "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."


The Hebrews’ view:


The Hebrews’ view:Jesus may be Messiah, but he cannot be a priest


The Hebrews’ view:Jesus may be Messiah, but he cannot be a priest1. He is from Judah, not Levi


The Hebrews’ view:Jesus may be Messiah, but he cannot be a priest1. He is from Judah, not Levi

Heb. 7:13,14 [Jesus] belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.


The Hebrews’ view:Jesus may be Messiah, but he cannot be a priest1. He is from Judah, not Levi2. He isn’t around anymore!



Genesis 14:17 After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley).



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Genesis 14:17 After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley).18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High,


Genesis 14:17 After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley).18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High,19 and he blessed Abram, saying, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.


Genesis 14:17 After Abram returned from defeating Kedorlaomer and the kings allied with him, the king of Sodom came out to meet him in the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King's Valley).18 Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. He was priest of God Most High,19 and he blessed Abram, saying, "Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth.20 And blessed be God Most High, who delivered your enemies into your hand." Then Abram gave him a tenth of everything.



Abraham Abraham acknowledges acknowledges Melchizedek Melchizedek as his priest!as his priest!



Psalms 110:1 Of David. A psalm. The Psalms 110:1 Of David. A psalm. The Lord says to my Lord: "Sit at my Lord says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."a footstool for your feet."2 The Lord will extend your mighty 2 The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies.midst of your enemies.3 Your troops will be willing on your 3 Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth.receive the dew of your youth.



Psalms 110:1 Of David. A psalm. The Psalms 110:1 Of David. A psalm. The Lord says to my Lord: "Sit at my Lord says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."a footstool for your feet."2 The Lord will extend your mighty 2 The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies.midst of your enemies.3 Your troops will be willing on your 3 Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth.receive the dew of your youth.4 The Lord has sworn and will not 4 The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind:change his mind:



Psalms 110:1 Of David. A psalm. The Psalms 110:1 Of David. A psalm. The Lord says to my Lord: "Sit at my Lord says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."a footstool for your feet."2 The Lord will extend your mighty 2 The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies.midst of your enemies.3 Your troops will be willing on your 3 Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth.receive the dew of your youth.4 The Lord has sworn and will not 4 The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: "You are a priest change his mind: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."forever, in the order of Melchizedek."









Psalms 110:1 Of David. A psalm. The Lord says to my Lord: "Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet."2 The Lord will extend your mighty scepter from Zion; you will rule in the midst of your enemies.3 Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy majesty, from the womb of the dawn you will receive the dew of your youth.4 The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: "You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek."

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Hebrews 7:1 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him,

2 and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means "king of righteousness"; then also, "king of Salem" means "king of peace."

Hebrews 7:1 This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him,

2 and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, his name means "king of righteousness"; then also, "king of Salem" means "king of peace.”

3 Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever.

4 Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder!







6 This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.

7 But without any dispute the lesser is blessed by the greater.

8 In the one case, the tenth is collected by men who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living.

9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham,

10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.

9 One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham,

10 because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.So WhatSo What??

11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the law was given to the people), why was there still need for another priest to come--one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?


“For there is one God, and one mediator also between God and men, the man Christ Jesus”

1 Timothy 2:5


The Levitical

priesthood is HISTORY

12 For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must also be a change of the law.

18 For, on the one hand, there is a setting aside of a former commandment because of its weakness and uselessness

19 (for the Law made nothing perfect), and on the other hand there is a bringing in of a better hope, through which we draw near to God.





Cf. 9:26 “...now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”



Cf. 9:26 “...now once at the consummation of the ages He has been manifested to put away sin by the sacrifice of Himself.”





It’s difficult to imagine what a huge part the temple and the priesthood played in the lives of these people. Take a look at the imposing structure of the Temple and we can somewhat understand.



20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath,

21 but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: 'You are a priest forever.'"

22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantee of a better covenant.

23 Now there have been many of those priests, since death prevented them from continuing in office;

24 but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood.

25 Therefore He is able also to save forever those who draw near to God through Him, since He always lives to make intercession for them.

Our choices: Try to approach God by our works Ignore the need for an intercessor Go to a human intercessor Accept Jesus as our intercessor

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4:15 For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are--yet