Hebrews 5:2-3 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people.
Even the one who makes intercessions as high priest before God has weaknesses. These weaknesses help him “deal gently with the ingrate and wayward.” I have found in my life that I can identify with certain people better after I have gone the same type of situation as they have, for example, losing a loved one in death. A high priest must be able to connect people to God. A high priest bears the burdens and sins to God. If someone has not gone through what the people have gone through, he or she will be hampered in leading them. There is a certain distance that develops between the priest and the people. In ministry terms, a pastor must walk with people to learn what they experience. A high priest who lives life with weak people will or should learn more about his own weaknesses. This knowledge should bring his own humility and repentance as he serves his priestly duty of offering a sacrifice for the sins of the people. A high priest must acknowledge his own weaknesses and need for the grace and forgiveness of God. Jesus is the perfect high priest. He did not sin but had weaknesses just like all people. Jesus relied totally on the Father to help with his human weaknesses. In this way, he set an example for us in our own weaknesses. He is the perfect high priest because he identifies with us in our weaknesses and can bring these weaknesses to God.
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