Hebrews 5:1-6

The nature and call of Christ's priesthood -- Hebrews 5:1-6: The Jewish priest was "taken from among men." This same nature allowed them to practice true compassion. Christ can be tender and compassionate toward because He took our nature. The writer gave this simple definition of the priesthood -- he is "ordained for men in things pertaining to God." The priest was to deal with Almighty God on behalf of sinful man.

Had it not been for sin, everyone might have gone to God in his own person. But now our only way to God is through our High priest, Jesus Christ. The sacrifices were offered by the priest to clear the way to God for sinful man. Gifts to God involved many things, but sacrifices were bloody offerings for sin. Our High Priest offered Himself for our sins.

The Old Testament priest had to have compassion for the sinful and concern for their own personal sins. They were chosen by God. It was an act of the sovereignty of God to call whom He pleased to His priesthood. "So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee." (Hebrews 5:5) Christ's priesthood was not after the order of Aaron. He was a priest "after the order of Melchizedek." (Hebrews 5:6)