Hebrews 5

Aaronic high priest as a pattern

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: Hebrews 5:1–4

Israel's high priest, called of God like Aaron, offered sacrifices for sins. His calling and work were a pattern that Christ fulfilled perfectly.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a type of what is in Exodus 28:1 — Aaron called to minister in the priest's office.
• a type of what is in Hebrews 5:5 — Christ likewise called, not self-appointed.

Thou art my Son

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. Hebrews 5:5

Christ did not appoint Himself. The Father, who declared 'Thou art my Son', gave Him the calling.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quotes Psalm 2:7 — Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee.
• the same title in Hebrews 1:5 — The same Father's declaration.

Priest forever after the order of Melchizedek

Melchizedek — King of righteousness

As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 5:6

Psalm 110 prophesied a priest forever in Melchizedek's order. Latter-day revelation teaches this priesthood is really the Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quotes Psalm 110:4 — The oath of the eternal priesthood.
• interpreted by D&C 107:3-4 — The Holy Priesthood after the Order of the Son of God, called Melchizedek to avoid repeating His name.

Strong crying and tears

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; Hebrews 5:7

In His mortal life, especially in Gethsemane, Jesus prayed with loud cries and tears to His Father, and the Father heard Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same event in Luke 22:44 — Being in an agony He prayed more earnestly.
• the same event in Matthew 26:39 — O my Father, if it be possible, let this cup pass from me.

The Son learned obedience

Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; Hebrews 5:8

Even though Jesus was God's Son, He learned obedience through what He suffered, showing us suffering can shape us too.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same event in Philippians 2:8 — He became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross.
• the same event in D&C 93:13 — He continued from grace to grace until He received a fulness.

Author of Eternal Salvation

Author — the source and cause

And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; Hebrews 5:9

Having finished His work, Jesus became the source of eternal salvation for everyone who obeys Him.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Hebrews 12:2 — Jesus the author and finisher of our faith.

High Priest after the order of Melchizedek

Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. Hebrews 5:10

God called Jesus to be the High Priest of Melchizedek's order, the highest priesthood, which Alma says was given to help people look forward to the Son.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• interpreted by Alma 13:2 — Priests ordained after the order of His Son so the people might look forward to His Son for redemption.