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"So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest..."

Text: Hebrews 5:5

A MOST SIGNIFICANT EXAMPLE

The author of Hebrews took great trouble to describe the ministry of the Aaronic high-priesthood. He thought it important to set the scene to introduce Jesus as High Priest.

“So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest,
But it was He who said to Him:

‘You are My Son,
Today I have begotten You.'”
Hebrews 5:5

1. So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest

a) If anyone had any rights to speak of, Jesus would be that One.

b) He was most eminently qualified to become High Priest.

c) Nevertheless Jesus did not take this honour upon Himself.

d) He did not appoint Himself as High Priest.

e) He did not presume to take on any office that God had not given to Him.

2. It was He who said to Him

a) “He” refers to God the Father.

b) “Him” refers to Jesus .

3. You are My Son, Today I have begotten You

a) Sonship takes on additional meaning in this context.

b) In the general sense, Sonship has reference to Christ’s identification with man. (Cf. Hebrews 2:9-18)

c) In this context, Sonship has special reference to His role as High Priest.

i) He was made Man that He might be a merciful and faithful High Priest (Cf. Hebrews 2:17)

ii) He was called Son to distinguish Him from all other servants (Cf. Hebrews 3:6)

iii) He was especially “begotten” to fulfil this ministry as High Priest.