February 24, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Hebrews Chapter 5
1 For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins:
2 Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.
3 And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins.
4 And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron.
5 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.
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
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;
8 Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered;
9 And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him;
10 Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.
11 Of whom we have many things to say, and hard to be uttered, seeing ye are dull of hearing.
12 For when for the time ye ought to be teachers, ye have need that one teach you again which be the first principles of the oracles of God; and are become such as have need of milk, and not of strong meat.
13 For every one that useth milk is unskilful in the word of righteousness: for he is a babe.
14 But strong meat belongeth to them that are of full age, even those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Introduction:
Hebrews Chapter 5 focuses on Christ’s role as the High Priest and compares it to that of the earthly high priests. While human high priests are chosen from among the people to offer gifts and sacrifices to God on their behalf, Christ is the eternal High Priest appointed by God according to the order of Melchizedek. The author emphasizes that Christ learned obedience through suffering and thus became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey Him. The second part of the chapter exhorts the readers toward spiritual maturity and criticizes their inability to grasp deeper truths.
Commentary:
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The Calling and Role of the High Priest (Verses 1–4):
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Verses 1–3: An earthly high priest is chosen from among the people to represent them before God. He offers sacrifices for the sins of the people and for himself. His own weakness enables him to sympathize with those who are ignorant and misguided.
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Verse 4: No one can assume this honor on his own; it is a divine calling, as seen with Aaron.
👉 Application: True spiritual leadership is not based on human ambition but on God’s calling and humility.
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Christ as the Eternal High Priest (Verses 5–10):
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Verses 5–6: Christ did not take this honor upon Himself. God appointed Him, declaring Him as His Son and eternal High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
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Verse 7: During His earthly life, Jesus prayed with deep devotion and suffering, highlighting His humanity and compassion.
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Verses 8–9: Although He was God’s Son, Christ learned obedience through suffering. His perfection makes Him the source of eternal salvation for all believers.
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Verse 10: God officially appointed Him as High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek—a priesthood that lasts forever.
👉 Application: Christ fully understands our weaknesses and invites us to seek help and salvation in Him.
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Exhortation to Spiritual Maturity (Verses 11–14):
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Verse 11: The author laments that discussing these deep truths is difficult because the listeners have become spiritually sluggish.
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Verses 12–13: Though they should be teachers by now, they still need the “milk” of basic teachings. They are like children in the faith, unable to grasp deeper doctrines (“solid food”).
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Verse 14: Mature believers, however, can, through practice and experience, distinguish between good and evil.
👉 Application: Christians are called to grow in faith, become spiritually mature, and take on responsibility.
Summary:
Hebrews Chapter 5 highlights the contrast between earthly high priests and Christ, the eternal High Priest. While earthly priests sympathize with sinners due to their own weaknesses, Christ surpasses them because He suffered yet remained sinless. He was called by God, not self-appointed. His suffering and obedience made Him the source of eternal salvation. The second part of the chapter urges believers toward spiritual maturity: Christians should move beyond foundational teachings, delve deeper into God’s Word, and live discerning lives that distinguish between good and evil. This exhortation remains relevant today—let us not remain at the beginning but strive for spiritual growth!
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | Steps to Christ
Chapter 6—Faith and Acceptance
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction
Chapter 6 shows us the path from the awakening of the conscience to the acceptance of divine gifts of grace. Through the work of the Holy Spirit, we recognize the destructive power and misery of sin, which separates us from God. This realization arouses in us a deep desire for forgiveness, cleansing, and freedom—yet we cannot obtain these graces through our own efforts, but only through steadfast faith in Jesus Christ, who bestows them upon us as a free gift from God.
Commentary
1.Awakening of the Conscience and Recognition of Sinfulness
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Stirring by the Holy Spirit:
The conscience is awakened by the Holy Spirit, enabling us to perceive the malice, power, guilt, and misery of sin.
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Realization of Separation:
We come to understand that sin has separated us from God and that we ourselves are trapped in a state of helplessness and selfishness.
2.God’s Gifts of Grace and Promises
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Free Gift of Grace:
God offers us forgiveness, cleansing, peace, and love as gifts of grace—things that cannot be bought with money or human wisdom (see Isaiah 55:1).
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Biblical Promises:
Promises such as “Though your sins are like scarlet, they shall be as white as snow” (Isaiah 1:18) and “I will give you a new heart and put a new spirit within you” (Ezekiel 36:26) show that God is able to free us from our sinfulness.
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Jesus as an Example:
Jesus’ healing of the paralyzed man (Matthew 9:6) demonstrates that faith in His words and miracles brings immediate deliverance and healing.
3.Faith and Acceptance of the Divine Promise
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Necessity of Faith:
The text calls us to confess our sins and yield ourselves to God. Only through steadfast faith, not through feelings, can we receive God’s promises.
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Daily Surrender:
It is emphasized that we should daily acknowledge our belonging to Christ and live in His Spirit, thus remaining continually in His grace and mercy.
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Condition of Prayer:
Our requests must be in harmony with God’s will, who wants to cleanse us of our failings and make us His children.
4.The Universal Power of Grace
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Unlimited Forgiveness:
No one is so sinful that they cannot be touched by God’s infinite mercy. God wants to fill us with His blessings—strength, righteousness, and purity.
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The Father-Heart of God:
God’s love is so great that He has accepted us even in our weakness. His immeasurable love and mercy express His eternal desire to redeem and renew us.
Summary
Chapter 6, “Faith and Acceptance,” calls us to acknowledge our own sinfulness and awaken within ourselves a deep longing for divine forgiveness and renewal. It stresses that we cannot achieve sanctification through our own power, but that God’s grace—given freely through Jesus Christ—covers all our shortcomings. By confessing our sins and holding firmly to faith in Jesus’ words and miracles, we become children of God who live in His Spirit and are healed by His mercy. Ultimately, it is unwavering faith and daily surrender that lead us into the fullness of God’s blessings and empower us to live a renewed, holy life.
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