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Study 10 of 18

Chapter 9: Further Qualifications of Our High Priest

The faithfulness, empathy, and eternal appointment of Christ's Melchizedek priesthood

Hands-free narration of this study — good for the car.

Synopsis

Jones continues the study of Hebrews by focusing on Christ's qualifications as High Priest. Unlike the first Adam, the 'last Adam' remained faithful under every temptation and infirmity. Christ's ability to 'succor' (run to the aid of) those who are tempted comes from His own experience of being tempted 'in all points like as we are.' Jones explains that Christ was made perfect through sufferings—meaning He was tested to the ultimate degree and found faithful in the flesh. His priesthood is superior to the Aaronical order because it is confirmed by the oath of God and based on the 'power of an endless life.' As a Priest after the order of Melchizedek, He holds an unchangeable priesthood and ever lives to make intercession. This chapter emphasizes that our High Priest is not distant but is deeply touched by our infirmities, having learned obedience through the things He suffered.

Key points

  • Christ was faithful where the first Adam and the nation of Israel failed.
  • To 'succor' means Christ 'runs under' us when we are tempted to keep us from falling.
  • Christ's priesthood is after the order of Melchizedek, established by God's oath.
  • He saves to the uttermost because He lives forever and holds an unchangeable priesthood.

Key texts

  • Hebrews 4:14-16
  • Hebrews 5:1-10
  • Hebrews 7:23-28

From the book

Chapter 9 · Hebrews 5:1-10 · Read this chapter

  • “The way in which He can and is touched with the feeling of our infirmities is that He 'was in all points tempted like as we are.'” (ch. 9)
  • “He is our merciful and faithful High Priest to succor—run under—us when we are tempted, to keep us from falling.” (ch. 9)
  • “By the oath of God He is made a Priest forever... after the power of an endless life.” (ch. 9)

Put it into practice

  • Come boldly to the throne of grace to find help in your time of need.
  • Trust that Christ understands your infirmities because He was tempted exactly like you.
  • Rely on the 'endless life' of Christ to maintain your spiritual life daily.
  1. Doctrinal Clarity

    1. How did Christ become 'perfect' through sufferings if He was always sinless?

  2. Comprehension

    2. What does it mean that Christ was 'compassed with infirmity'?

  3. Contrast

    3. Contrast the Levitical priesthood with Christ's priesthood regarding 'oaths.'

  4. Scripture

    4. According to Hebrews 7:25, why is Christ able to save to the uttermost?

  5. Doctrinal Clarity

    5. What is the specific meaning of the word 'succor' in this chapter?

  6. Scripture

    6. What did Christ learn through His sufferings according to Hebrews 5:8?

  7. Comprehension

    7. Why was the first Adam mentioned in contrast to Christ in His position?

  8. Application

    8. How does knowing that Jesus 'runs under' you in temptation change your approach to a difficult moment?