Hebrews 5

1Every high priest is chosen from among the people and is appointed to act for them before God. He offers gifts and sacrifices for sins.

2He is able to be gentle with those who are ignorant and who go the wrong way, because he himself is weak too.

3That is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as for the sins of the people.

4And no one takes this honor for himself. He must be called by God, just as Aaron was.

5In the same way, Christ did not take on Himself the glory of becoming a high priest. God gave it to Him, saying: You are my Son; today I have become your Father.

6And in another place God says: You are a royal priest forever, like the priestly pattern of Melchizedek!

7During His physical life on earth, Jesus offered desperate prayers. He cried out loud with agonizing tears to God! God had the power to rescue Him from death. And God heard His prayer because of His deep, reverent submission.

8Even though He was the Son, Jesus learned obedience from what He suffered.

9Jesus completed His earthly mission through suffering. He became the source of eternal salvation for everyone who obeys Him!

10And God named Him a high priest in the priestly pattern of Melchizedek.

11We have so much more to teach you about Melchizedek! But it is hard to explain because your minds have become sluggish and dull.

12By this time, you should already be mature teachers. Instead, you need someone to teach you the basic baby steps again! You still need baby milk, not solid meat!

13Anyone who drinks only milk is still an infant. Babies do not understand righteous living.

14Solid meat is for mature adults who train their senses to know right from wrong!