Hebrews 5:5
So also, Christ glorified not himselfe, to bee made an High Priest: but hee that saide vnto him, Thou art my Sonne, to day haue I begotten thee. Hebrews 5:5 (KJV)
Context and Background: The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were facing persecution and contemplating a return to Judaism. The author presents a powerful argument for the superiority of Christ over the Old Testament religious system, emphasizing Jesus’ role as the high priest. Hebrews 5:5 specifically highlights Christ’s appointment as a high priest by God the Father.
Christ’s Glorification: The verse begins by stating that Christ did not glorify Himself to be made a high priest. This is an important point because in Jewish culture the position of a high priest was highly esteemed, a position of honor and authority. Christ, in His humility, did not seize this honor for Himself but rather received it from someone else.
God’s Declaration: The verse then quotes an Old Testament passage, “Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee,” taken from Psalm 2:7. This is a Messianic prophecy pointing to the divine nature and the unique relationship between God the Father and God the Son. In the context of Hebrews, the declaration emphasizes that Christ’s appointment as high priest was a result of His divine identity as the Son of God.
“Today Have I Begotten Thee”: The phrase does not refer to the literal birth of Christ, for Jesus has always existed as the eternal Son of God. Instead it highlights a particular moment when the Father publicly declared His Son’s position and authority. The declaration may correspond to Jesus’ baptism, transfiguration, or resurrection.
Jesus as the High Priest: In the Old Testament the high priest was a mediator between God and the people, offering sacrifices for the forgiveness of sins. The author of Hebrews presents Jesus as the ultimate high priest who surpasses all previous high priests. His appointment was not based on earthly lineage or personal ambition but on divine appointment and His unique relationship with God.
Application and Implications: Hebrews 5:5 teaches several important lessons. It reminds us of Christ’s humility, that He did not exalt Himself but submitted to the will of the Father. It also emphasizes Jesus’ divine nature and the special relationship He shares with God the Father. Furthermore, it highlights the uniqueness and superiority of Jesus as the high priest who intercedes on behalf of His people and provides the ultimate sacrifice for sin. As believers we can find comfort and assurance in the fact that our High Priest, Jesus Christ, understands our weaknesses and is able to empathize with us. We can approach Him boldly, knowing that He is both fully God and fully human and that He intercedes for us before the Father.
In summary, Hebrews 5:5 underscores the divine appointment of Jesus as the high priest, emphasizing His humility and unique relationship with God the Father. It reminds us of the significance of Christ’s role as our ultimate mediator and encourages us to approach Him with confidence in our times of need.
