Ash Wednesday: EPISTLE: Hebrews 4:14-5:9

Reading: Hebrews 4:14-5:9 Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession. 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. Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need. For every high priest taken from among men is ordained for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins: Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity. And by reason hereof he ought, as for the people, so also for himself, to offer for sins. And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 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;

Commentary: 

In the wording here provided by the Holy Spirit, we see the human nature of Christ emphasized as our great High Priest. Note Jesus was "touched with the feeling of our infirmities" and also tempted, "yet without sin". Also, just as a true high priest in the Old Testament had compassion on the ignorant, and these priests themselves were compassed with infirmity (feebleness, weakness) so Christ also Himself (not being made of stone, but having a true and sympathetic compassionate heart) "offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared." "Though He were a Son, yet learned He obedience by the things which He suffered." Such is the Passive Obedience of Christ. He passively endured without resistance, the punishment of God's wrath against our sin, purely obeying in love God the Father. This is why Jesus our High Priest, is the "Author of eternal salvation" unto all that obey Him. Faith hears and obeys the call of the Gospel. Let us keep the law in love.