Seminaries and Institutes
Hebrews 5: Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest


“Hebrews 5: Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest,” New Testament Seminary Student Study Guide (2003)

“Hebrews 5,” New Testament Student Study Guide

Hebrews 5

Jesus Christ, the Great High Priest

Many men from the tribe of Levi were called to work as priests in Israel’s temples, but only one man—a descendant of Aaron—was called as the high priest (in the Aaronic Priesthood order). As explained in Leviticus 16, this high priest went into the Holy of Holies in the temple once a year and offered a special sacrifice for the sins of all the people. The people often fasted on this day, which was known as the day of Atonement. Paul explained in Hebrews 5 how the high priest in Israel was only a symbol of their real high priest, Jesus Christ, who made the ultimate Atonement for the sins of all people and then entered into the presence of His Father. This knowledge would have been helpful to converts from the Jewish faith who still felt pressure to follow the Jewish high priest, a powerful person in the community.

Studying the Scriptures

Do activities A–C as you study Hebrews 5.

  1. Scripture Mastery—Hebrew 5:4

    1. According to Hebrews 5:4, who is entitled to receive the priesthood or any calling in it?

    2. Read Exodus 28:1 and describe how Aaron was called. Compare this verse to the fifth article of faith.

  2. Learning Obedience

    1. According to Hebrews 5:7–8, how did Melchizedek become so great?

    2. Explain why you think a person can learn obedience that way.

  3. Milk or Meat?

    In Hebrews 5:12–14 Paul explained that some members, such as small children, can only be fed spiritual “milk” until they become more mature in living the gospel and can handle spiritual “meat.” Consider your own spiritual maturity right now and write about the kind of spiritual food you are ready for. Explain why.