From Hebrews: The Training of Christ as Our Compassionate High Priest
Orientation
We can mistakenly view Christ as a distant, untouchable figure, unable to relate to our human struggles and suffering.
- This creates a sense of isolation and distance from God's help.
- It can lead to thinking our weaknesses disqualify us from grace.
- It overlooks the purpose of Christ's incarnation and human experience.
For we have not an high priest which cannot be touched with the feeling of our infirmities; but was in all points tempted like as we are, yet without sin. (Hebrews 4:15)
— Hebrews 4:15
Clarification
Christ's suffering was not a demonstration of weakness, but the necessary training that qualified Him to be our compassionate High Priest.
- His obedience was learned and forged through real human experience.
- His identification with our weakness is the foundation of His sympathy.
- This qualifies Him to minister effectively from a place of victory, not shared defeat.
Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him. (Hebrews 5:8-9)
— Hebrews 5:8-9
Structure
Christ's priesthood is of a new order—Melchizedek's—grounded in the power of an indestructible life, not the repeated sacrifices of the old covenant.
- The old priesthood reminded of guilt; Christ's priesthood supplies His righteousness.
- He ministers from absolute victory, securing our access to God.
- This priesthood provides the only true rest and inheritance for the believer.
Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. (Hebrews 7:16)
— Hebrews 7:16
Weight-Bearing Prose
The theological assertion of Hebrews is that Christ’s training through suffering and obedience in His humanity was essential to His high priestly ministry. He willingly took on human nature, experiencing limitations and temptation, to become a sympathetic and compassionate intercessor. This is not a minor detail but the means by which He provides believers with access to God’s grace, comfort, and sanctification. His sacrifice on the cross demonstrates God’s love and secures victory, but His ongoing priestly work is founded on this identification. The Pauline category of Christ as our High Priest (Hebrews) is distinct from covenant law; it is a priesthood of life, grounded in His indestructible resurrection life. To miss this is to return to a system of distance and self-effort, forfeiting the bold access and rest He alone provides. The old Aaronic priesthood could never bring this, as it was marked by its own weakness and repeated sacrifices. Christ’s priesthood of the order of Melchizedek is superior because it is permanent and based on His finished work and victorious life.
Integration
Your assurance and rest are not based on your ability to relate to suffering, but on Christ’s perfect qualification through His. He is the compassionate High Priest right now, interceding for you. There is no pressure to advance or earn a better standing; your access to the throne of grace is secured by His finished work and His sympathetic understanding. Look away from your own fluctuating feelings and efforts. Your sanctification is this Person, Christ, who knows your frame and ministers to you from a place of victory. Come boldly, not because you have trained yourself, but because He was trained for you. This is your landing place and your constant peace.