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"He himself is also subject to weakness."

Text: Hebrews 5 :2

THE MULTI-FACETED MINISTRY OF THE HIGH PRIESTS

The ministry of the high priest was very demanding! His work was cut out for him! Three aspects of his ministry were highlighted (Hebrews 5:1-2):-

1. He stood on behalf of men with reference to things pertaining to God.

2. He had to teach people with reference to “gifts and sacrifices”.

3. He had to have compassion as he dealt with the ignorant and those going astray.

HUMBLING REMINDERS

The following text gives us a solemn reminder as to the humanness of the high priest.

“Since he himself is also subject to weakness.”
Hebrews 5:2c

1. Subject to weakness

There are many reasons why even high priests have weaknesses. Two basic reasons may be highlighted:-

a) Because he is but a human being.

b) Because he is a sinner.

2. Appointed even though subject to weaknesses

a) So that he may understand others who show weaknesses in life.

b) So that he may empathise with sinful people meaningfully.

3. Why God allowed weak human beings to serve Him as high priests?

The following reasons may be suggested as to why God continued to allow weak and flawed human beings to serve Him. Weak high priests can serve God only because they stand acquitted and justified by the Lord (Cf. Zechariah 3:1-5).

a) Knowing his own personal weaknesses should prevent the high priest from the sin of pride or worse “arrogance”.

b) Having experienced much personal weaknesses the high priest is able to minister in an even humbler manner.

c) Being subjected to weaknesses the high priest works harder at cultivating important spiritual disciplines that would help him grow stronger in his life and ministry.