David Hathaway

'Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray, since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. And no one takes this honour on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.' (Hebrews 5.1-4, NIV) This chapter stresses both Christ's divine appointment and his humanity. At the end of chapter 4 we are reminded that Jesus is our High Priest, that He was tempted in every way, but was without sin, 'Let us then approach God’s throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.'  A High Priest represents the people before God; he offers sacrifices for sin, but as he is human like us, his sacrifices are for himself and for his people. As the Bible says, no one should b