Slices
Prepare
When you or someone known to you is elevated to high positions of greater responsibility, do the aura and dignity of the position stand out? Amid this, do you get a sense that the new role demands more sacrifice and humility?
Bible passage
5 Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. 3 This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. 4 And no one takes this honour on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.
5 In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him,
‘You are my Son;
today I have become your Father.’
6 And he says in another place,
‘You are a priest for ever,
in the order of Melchizedek.’
7 During the days of Jesus’ life on earth, he offered up prayers and petitions with fervent cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Son though he was, he learned obedience from what he suffered 9 and, once made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him 10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Explore
Today’s passage has three sections. Verses 1–4 speak of the call received by a person to be a high priest. The person is not chosen for his perfection. Instead, his weakness stands out as one of his qualifications, as it enables him to sympathise with others who fail and fall.
The next section (vs 5,6) focuses on Jesus. Two aspects of his life are described: his sonship and his priesthood. Both these come to him as divine appointments by the Father. The writer quotes Psalm 2:7 in verse 5 to speak of the sonship of Jesus, as appointed by God. His being chosen as high priest is established through a statement from Psalm 110:4.
In the third section (vs 7–10), we are drawn to glance at the humility and submission of Jesus Christ, in response to the two lofty appointments bestowed upon him. Prayers, petitions, reverent submission and suffering mark his obedience. As a result, he becomes the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him.
Respond
Pray: ‘Lord God, may the humility and submission of Jesus Christ be reflected in me when I move into positions of responsibility as appointed by you, as well as in my daily life.’
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: 2 Samuel 19,20; 1 Corinthians 8
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray for staff workers Joan, Chris and Robert and for Steve and the volunteers at Mission Partner CICS as they go into Calderdale secondary Prayers schools to give a Christian perspective on life. Pray too for all those who will be distributing It’s Your Move books to Year 6 pupils in Calderdale primary schools.
