“… So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become High Priest…” – Hebrews 5:5a 

Scripture reading: Hebrews 4:14-5:10

What a tragic moment in Israel’s wilderness wanderings it was. Consumed by fire, the earth opened up, and these 250 rebellious people tumbled straight into hell. What a shock! How awful! It had never happened before. Why? What did Korah, Dathan and Abiram do? They were proud! They had sinful ambition! They did not agree with the place God had given Aaron. They sought greater things for themselves. God had set Aaron and his sons apart, in an extensive ritual, for the priesthood (Lev. 8-9).

To make God’s choice clear to the people, the rods of all the tribes had been laid before the Lord overnight. And the next day Aaron’s rod blossomed! God had chosen and set Aaron apart!

And our text says: So also Christ did not glorify Himself to become a High Priest! Jesus, unlike us, had no sinful pride or ambition… This priestly task was given to Him by the Father. Psalm 2:7 and Psalm 110:4 are quoted to prove this (Heb 5:5-6). Jesus was set apart as the Son of God and the High Priest in Melchizedek’s order, to be a Priest forever, better than Aaron! That’s why He can be such a suitable High Priest for us! No weakness, no sin, no pride, only perfect submission that perfectly pleased His Father who appointed Him (cf. Heb 5:3,8).

Do you at times struggle with pride? Do you sometimes struggle to submit? Jesus is the High Priest that you and I need. He is better than Aaron. His staff blossoms!

Suggestions for prayer

Thank God for Jesus’ perfect sinlessness and submission! His sinlessness can cover your sins of pride and selfish ambition. Ask the Lord to help you kill every last ounce of pride in you.

Rev. Pieter van der Hoek has been serving the Heritage Reformed Church of Hull, Iowa, since July 2023. Prior to that he served the Heritage Reformed Church of Burgessville, Ontario. Get this devotional delivered directly to your phone each day via our RP App. This devotional is made available by the Nearer To God Devotional team, who also make available in print, for purchase, at NTGDevotional.com.