Tuesday 17 October 2023
Every high priest chosen from among mortals is put in charge of things pertaining to God on their behalf. (v. 1)
Background
Today’s passage makes several important points about the nature of priesthood, as modelled by Jesus Christ.
Firstly, priests do not assume this role by self-selection. They are ‘chosen’ (v.1), ‘called’ (v. 4), ‘appointed’ (v. 5) and ‘designated’ (v.10).
Secondly, a priest is “able to deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is subject to weakness” (v. 2).
Thirdly, priests are conscious of those who have preceded them and Aaron and Melchizedek are named as key figures in the tradition in which Christ now stands.
In Exodus 28-30, God tells Moses to anoint, ordain and consecrate Aaron and his sons as priests (Exodus 28:41). In an interesting connection with the wedding guest who was dressed inappropriately in Sunday’s reading, Exodus 28 is dedicated almost entirely to what these priests should wear!
Melchizedek, mentioned in v. 6, was both a priest and a king. He offers bread and wine to Abraham and blesses him (Genesis 14:18). These are still priestly acts today. Hebrews 5:6 is a quote from Psalm 110:4. This psalm is addressed to a future Messianic figure who will be both priest and king and will have more power than all other kings. The author of the letter to the Hebrews is suggesting that the psalm was speaking about Jesus.
There is a strong emphasis on submission and obedience in the final part of this passage. Today this is symbolised by the clergy wearing dog (clerical) collars, but these were not part of the detailed dress code for Aaron and his sons in Exodus.
To Ponder:
- Which of the three points about the nature of priesthood is most important for you?
- What names would be on a list of the people in whose tradition(s) you stand?
- Should there be a dress code for clergy?
Prayer
Read the prayer of Aaron as you think of someone you would like God to bless today.