The writer to the Hebrews has already told us that Jesus is without sin (4:15). So why did Jesus have to ‘learn obedience’ and be ‘made perfect’ (v 8)? It’s because Jesus’ perfect obedience to the Father needed to be lived out, proved, learnt during his life on earth, through suffering (v 7). So, he qualified as the better high priest (4:14), who through his obedient submission, became the source of salvation for all (vs 8,9). 

The high priest had to be one of the people (v 1), compassionate (v 2) and appointed by God (v 4). Jesus met the criteria – called by God (vs 4,5), compassionate (4:15) and fully human (v 7).  But whilst the other priests offered sacrifices for sin that were only symbolic, Jesus’ sacrifice of himself actually effects atonement for sin for all who would receive it (v 9). Other priests would pass away, but Jesus, like Melchizedek (see 7:23–25), was not part of a line of priests (vs 6,9,10). Priest for ever, his atonement is permanent (7:27). Though he became one of us, he is also the eternal Son of the Father (v 5; see 1:3). 

The one who saved us eternally knows what it’s like to suffer (v 7) and to do what is right despite the pain (v 8).

‘And being found in appearance as a human being, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to death – even death on a cross!’¹ Thank God for the obedience of Jesus.

Priests bridged the gap between a holy God and an unholy people; especially the high priest on the Day of Atonement. A high priest was essential to obtaining forgiveness and reconciliation with God. Once one had become a Christian, where was the high priest? How could forgiveness be found? Jesus, says our author, is the high priest – but niggling doubts remain: how could he be? He is not descended from Aaron. The answer is that he is a high priest of a different type, appointed by God in the manner of Melchizedek, the shadowy figure to whom Abraham paid a tithe following his victory;² this may have meant more to the first hearers than it does to us, but it points to important truths.

Jesus is a permanent priest, not a temporary one (v 6). Jesus is a human priest. Jesus is a perfect priest; since he is without sin, he does not need to make sacrifices for himself.³ The perfection here (as in 2:10) is not moral perfection but signifies that his suffering qualifies him perfectly to bring salvation. His sacrificial death was the only way in which humanity could find salvation. Jesus’ prayer in the garden was heard (v 7) , but he still went to the cross and was only saved from death through the resurrection. Prayer may be heard, but may not always bring about the outcome that we desire or expect.

Jesus has the right credentials and has secured our salvation. We can be assured of our eternal security if we continue to obey (v 9). The writer’s rhetoric involves both reassurance and challenge, the benefits of following Jesus and the danger of turning away. We bear both in mind as we continue our journey with Jesus. 

Given the status of the Saviour and the nature of salvation, let us pursue this with energy. Pray for faith and courage to hold to a strong faith in Jesus.

¹ Phil 2:8, TNIV  ² Gen 14:18–20  ³ Heb 7:27