Our Advocate – Hebrews 5:1-10

A text – Hebrews 5:1-10 

5 Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness, 3 and because of this he must offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. 4 And one does not presume to take this honor but takes it only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

5 So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest but was appointed by the one who said to him, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you”; 6 as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.”

7 In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered, 9 and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10 having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.                           

A reflection:

I suppose one of the reasons this passage of Hebrews comes up this week is because of the Mark reading we read on Monday: the disciples James and John asking to sit on either side of Jesus when he comes into his kingdom.  Now look at Verse 4 of this text from Hebrews: “one does not presume to take this honor but takes it only when called by God” – it is almost exactly as Jesus says …these places “are not mine to appoint, but it is for those for whom it has been prepared.” Places of high honor are coveted by many folks. But Jesus warns several times about taking an honored seat. Once he even says to take a low place, so that when the host sees you sitting lower, he or she will move you up higher. Better that than to be moved lower so that a more worthy guest can be given your chair…

This passage of Hebrews describes the human woes Jesus suffered in his human life and ministry. Jesus has a true understanding of what people go through. He can advocate to God on our behalf. That was the job of a high priest – to make the sacrifice on behalf of the congregation, acting as a go-between or intermediary between God and people. Jesus loved human beings unconditionally, no matter what. If the person turned to Jesus and believed, Jesus accepted him or her in love. He could see human sorrows and ask God for mercy.

When we know the sorrows of others, it is easier to be patient with them, to accept them, and to serve them. This is what Jesus asked his disciples to do rather than fighting for position. I think it is what he continually asks of us. It’s not an easy mission, but never was there a more important time to try to know the sorrows that make others do what they do. This week my goal is to pray for someone I have not prayed for before, someone I don’t like or understand, asking God’s blessing for them. I want to see what happens – to me.

A prayer:

Lord God, Thank you for loving us. Thank you for living as a human and being willing to advocate for us. Help us to take the point of view of someone we do not like or understand and pray a blessing from God upon them. Help us to soften our hearts and pay attention. Amen.