Hebrews 5:10 and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek.
Because of Jesus’ obedience, God designated him to be the high priest. Jesus perfectly fit the requirements for God’s eternal plan of salvation. Was there ever a chance that Jesus could have failed? If we take his humanity seriously and the idea that he was tempted with real temptations, then he could have failed. But he did not because he learned to trust and obey. This began early in his life, as Luke 2:52 indicates. As high priest, Jesus is able to bring our needs to the Father. He is also able to represent the Father to us and reveal to us God’s characteristics. We must have a right understanding of Jesus if we are to understand salvation. Other places in the New Testament witness to the fact that there is no other way to be saved except through Jesus. He is the way, truth, and life (John 14:6). He is unique, just like Melchizedek. This theme will be developed more in ch. 7. As we read this verse, we should respond in awe and worship at 1) God’s plan of salvation and 2) Jesus’ faithfulness to carry it out even though he took on human form (Phil 2:5-11). By willingly going to the cross, Jesus showed his total faith and obedience to the Father’s plan. To become “Christlike” is to take on these same qualities of total faith and obedience. These are the key themes of this letter.
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