Hebrews 5:1-4 (NIVUK)
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.
Who or what were the priests that Hebrews refers to? They were people chosen by God, from amongst the people, to represent the people before God. There is a clear stress on their being one with the people: as their representatives they have to be one of them so that they are speaking from first-hand knowledge and experience. This not only gives them the right to speak on their behalf, but also gives them compassion towards them. As we saw yesterday, through the incarnation, Jesus qualifies on both scores.
Jesus, we celebrate your compassion towards us and willingness to join us, be one of us, and to act on our behalf.
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