Hebrews 5 outlines the general qualifications for the office of high priest in Israel, shows that Jesus possessed those qualifications, and begins a warning, concluded in Hebrews 6, about spiritual immaturity.

Before enlarging on the ramifications of the priesthood of Christ, the writer took the logical step of showing Christ’s qualifications for that role (5:1-10). Though His priesthood has already been assumed, its validity must now be declared if the warnings based on it are to carry full weight.

The author of Hebrews began this chapter by describing the office of high priest in Israel. The task of the high priest was to represent sinful human beings before God. The writer pointed out that the task of the high priest was to act for human beings in matters related to God (v. 1). Each high priest of Israel received a divine appointment to office. The office required that the high priest show compassion for wandering sinners and offer sacrifices for sins (vv. 1-4).

Jesus demonstrated His qualifications to serve as High Priest for His people (vv. 5-10). Jesus did not follow the steps of the imperfect priesthood of Aaron. He became a priest after the order of Melchizedek. His resurrection and ascension showed that God had appointed Him to the job. His experience of suffering nurtured in Him an incomparable capacity for sympathy to needy individuals.