Hebrews 5: The Need for Spiritual Maturity

Read Hebrews Chapter 5

Introduction: Hebrews 5 shows us an outline of the qualifications and roles of a high priest and points out Jesus’ superior qualifications to hold this sacred office. The chapter calls on believers to understand the depth of Jesus’ ability to sympathize with human weaknesses, and it cautions against spiritual immaturity. This outline aims to give a clear and simplified understanding of Hebrews 5, inspiring believers to deepen their faith and commitment to Jesus Christ as their mediator, and seek spiritual maturity in their lives.

I. Qualifications of a High Priest (Hebrews 5:1-4)
Hebrews 5:1-4 give us the necessary qualifications of a high priest, including being chosen from among the people and being appointed to act on behalf of men in matters related to God, offering gifts and sacrifices for sins of the people and themselves. Such a high priest must be able to deal gently with the ignorant and misguided since he himself is beset with weakness.

Cross reference verses:

• Exodus 28:1 demonstrates the appointment of Aaron by God to the priesthood, emphasizing the divine selection of a high priest (Exodus 28:1).
• Leviticus 9:7 shows the high priest’s role in making atonement for the people, underscoring the priestly duty of mediating between God and humanity (Leviticus 9:7).
• Leviticus 16:11 illustrates the necessity for the high priest to offer sacrifices for his own sins before he can atone for the sins of the people (Leviticus 16:11).

II. Christ’s Superiority to Aaronic Priests (Hebrews 5:5-10)
Verses 5-10 present Jesus Christ as the superior high priest, appointed by God, just as Aaron was, but with a significant difference: Jesus was declared by God to be a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Jesus’ prayers, holiness and obedience, even through suffering, made Him the perfect source of eternal salvation for all who call upon Him in faith, and by the way, through it all he never sinned.

Cross reference verses:

• Psalm 2:7 proclaims the divine appointment of Jesus as God’s Son, which aligns with His appointment as a high priest (Psalm 2:7).
• Psalm 110:4 establishes the priesthood of Jesus as according to the order of Melchizedek, signifying an eternal and royal priesthood (Psalm 110:4).
• Luke 22:42 highlights Jesus’ obedience to the Father’s will during His intense suffering, which qualifies Him as a perfect high priest (Luke 22:42).

III. Warning Against Spiritual Immaturity (Hebrews 5:11-14)
The final verses, 11-14, contain a warning against spiritual immaturity. Believers are encouraged to move beyond the first teachings about Christ and to grow in understanding and discernment. The writer uses the analogy of milk and meat, milk for the spiritually immature, and meat for the spiritually mature. The writer likens mature believers to those who have learned to distinguish good from evil through constant practice and use of the word of righteousness, they can easily discern good from bad and therefore are less likely to fall into a trap of the devil.

Cross reference verses:

• 1 Corinthians 3:2 metaphorically uses milk to represent basic teachings appropriate for new believers, similar to the “milk” mentioned in Hebrews 5 (1 Corinthians 3:2).
• Ephesians 4:14-15 calls believers to grow in faith and knowledge, not to be tossed by every teaching, resonating with the call to maturity in Hebrews 5 (Ephesians 4:14-15).
• 1 Peter 2:2 uses the metaphor of newborn babies craving pure spiritual milk, which aligns with the encouragement to mature in spiritual understanding (1 Peter 2:2).

Conclusion: Hebrews 5 guides to a view of the high priesthood, coming together in the person of Jesus Christ, who surpasses all predecessors in His divine appointment, compassionate ministry, and obedient submission to the Father. This chapter challenges believers to deepen their spiritual maturity, moving beyond the basics of faith and growing in discernment. By acknowledging the supremacy of Jesus as our High Priest and advancing towards spiritual maturity, believers can strengthen their faith and draw nearer to God. With this understanding, we should be encouraged to wholeheartedly embrace the role of Jesus as our mediator and to pursue a more perfect knowledge of the truths of Scripture.