Qualities Of An Old Testament High Priest
Hebrews 5:1-3
For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. (2) He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness. (3)Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins.
- He must be able to intercede for man.
- He must be able identify with man.
Numbers 15: 28, 30-31
So priest shall make atonement for the person who sins unintentionally, when he sins unintentionally before the LORD, to make atonement for him; and it shall be forgiven.
30 But the person who does presumptuously, whether he is native-born or a stranger, that one brings reproach on the LORD, and he stall be cut off from among his people. 31 Because he has despised the word of the LORD, and has broken his commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt shall be upon him.
Galatians 6:1-3
Brethren, if a man is overtaken in any trespass, you who are spiritual restore such a one in a spirit of gentleness, considering yourself lest you also be tempted. (2) Bear one another’s burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. (3) For if anyone thinks himself to be something, when he is nothings, he deceives himself.
Qualities of Christ
Hebrews 5:4-10
And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was. (5) So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest, but it was He who said to Him: “You are My Son, today I have begotten You.” (6) As He also says in another place: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek”; (7) who, in the days of His flesh, when He had offered up prayers and supplications, with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death, and was heard because of His godly fear, (8) though He was a Son, He learned obedience by the things which He suffered. (9) And having been perfected, He became the author of eternal salvation to all who obey Him, (10) called by God as High Priest, “according to the order of Melchizedek.”
- He Is Appointed
Genesis 14:18-21
Then Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. (19) And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; (20) And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all. (21) Now the king of Sodam said to Abram, “Give me the persons, and take the goods for yourself.”
- He Is Approved
- He Is Accredited