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 Previous Return to Hebrews Next 

HUMAN HIGH PRIEST VS HEAVENLY HIGH PRIEST

Hebrews 5:5-14

Victor M. Eskew

 

INTRODUCTION

 

A.  In Hebrews 5, the inspired penman begins to expand on the subject of Jesus as our High Priest.

 

B.   This, however, is not the first time Jesus has been mentioned as a High Priest.

 

C.  In chapter five, we see the “Human High Priest vs. Heavenly High Priest.”

 

D.  Outline:

 

i.             The Human High Priest (Heb. 5:1-4)

ii.            The Heavenly High Priest (Heb. 5:5-10)

iii.           The Hearing of the Hebrews (Heb. 5:11-14)

 

I.         THE HUMAN HIGH PRIEST (Heb. 5:1-4)

 

II.       THE HEAVENLY HIGH PRIEST (Heb. 5:5-10)

 

A.  Humbled in Position (Heb. 5:5-6)

 

B.   Humbled in Pain (Heb. 5:7)

 

Who in the days of his flesh when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him  that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared.

 

1.    The time of His suffering:  in the days of his flesh

a.    Jesus suffered in many ways while He lived here on earth.

b.    The specific occasion referenced here happened when He was in the Garden of Gethsemane.  His affliction was emotional, from within.

1)     Matthew 26:38

 

Then saith he unto them, My soul is exceeding sorrowful, even unto death:  tarry ye here, and watch with me.

 

2)    Mark 14:33

 

And he taketh with him Peter and James and John, and began to be sore amazed, and to be very heavy.

 

3)     Luke 22:44

 

And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly:  and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground.

 

2.    The relief of His suffering:  prayers and supplications

a.    Definitions

1)     Prayers:

a)    Strong (1162):  a petition

b)    Thayer:  need, indigence, want, a seeking, asking, entreaty

2)    Supplications:

a)    Strong (2428):  the idea approaching for a favor; intreaty

b)    Thayer:  an olive branch, for supplicants approached the one whose aid would implore holding an olive branch entwined with white wool and fillets, to signify they came as supplicants, supplication

b.    Jesus knew where to turn in times of pain and anguish.  We can turn to this same place.

 

1)     Hebrews 4:16

 

Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.

 

2)    Philippians 4:6-7

 

Be careful for nothing; but in everything by prayer and supplication with thanksgiving let your requests be made known unto God.  And the peace of God, which passeth all understanding, shall keep your hearts and minds through Christ Jesus.

 

3)     I Peter 5:7

 

Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you.

 

3.    The pain of suffering: strong crying and tears

a.    This is one of three times that we see Jesus weeping.  The other two:

1)     At the tomb of Lazarus (John 11:35)

2)    Over the city of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41)

 

And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it.

 

b.    In the Garden of Gethsemane, His pain was deep.  He exhibited “strong” crying and tears.

c.    Isaiah 53:3

 

He is despised and rejected of men; a man of sorrows, and acquainted with grief:  and we hid as it were our faces from him:  he was despised, and we esteemed him not.

 

4.    The Savior of suffering:  unto him that was able to save him from death

a.    Jesus turned to the heavenly Father in His affliction.  He knew the one who could save Him from this coming hour.

b.    Psalm 46:1

 

God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble.

 

5.    The assurance in suffering:  was heard in that he heard

a.    God will hear the prayers of the righteous (Ps. 34:17).

 

The righteous cry, and the Lord hearth, and delivereth them out of all their troubles.

 

b.    Jesus feared:  He had respect toward His God.  (NOTE:  There are requirements to acceptable prayer to God).

c.    Interesting point:  Jesus prayed to Him who could save Him.  He was heard, but He still had to die on the cross.