Are you growing in your understanding of God’s Word, or are you still drinking milk when you should be eating solid food?
Hebrews 5 reminds us of Yeshua’s role as our perfect High Priest and challenges us to mature in our faith, moving beyond the basics to a deeper understanding and application of God’s Word.
Key Verse:
“But solid food is for the mature, who by constant use have trained themselves to distinguish good from evil.” – Hebrews 5:14 (NIV)
Background Context:
Hebrews 5 explores Yeshua’s qualifications as our High Priest, emphasizing His appointment by God and His understanding of human weakness through His earthly experience. The chapter closes with a rebuke to believers who have not grown in their spiritual understanding, urging them to press on to maturity.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
The Perfect High Priest
1For every high priest taken from among men is appointed on behalf of men in things pertaining to God, in order to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins; 2he can deal gently with the ignorant and misguided, since he himself also is beset with weakness; 3and because of it he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins, as for the people, so also for himself. 4And no one takes the honor to himself, but receives it when he is called by God, even as Aaron was.
5So also Christ did not glorify Himself so as to become a high priest, but He who said to Him,
“YOU ARE MY SON,
TODAY I HAVE BEGOTTEN YOU”;
6just as He says also in another passage,
“YOU ARE A PRIEST FOREVER
ACCORDING TO THE ORDER OF MELCHIZEDEK.”
7In the days of His flesh, He offered up both prayers and supplications with loud crying and tears to the One able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His piety. 8Although He was a Son, He learned obedience from the things which He suffered. 9And having been made perfect, He became to all those who obey Him the source of eternal salvation, 10being designated by God as a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.
11Concerning him we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you have need again for someone to teach you the elementary principles of the oracles of God, and you have come to need milk and not solid food. 13For everyone who partakes only of milk is not accustomed to the word of righteousness, for he is an infant. 14But solid food is for the mature, who because of practice have their senses trained to discern good and evil.
Reflection on Hebrews 5:
- Yeshua, Our Perfect High Priest:
Verses 1-10 highlight Yeshua’s unique role as High Priest, appointed by God and able to empathize with our weaknesses. Unlike earthly priests, He is without sin and provides eternal salvation to those who obey Him (Hebrews 5:9). Are you placing your trust in Yeshua as your mediator and guide? Reflect on His perfect sacrifice and role in your life. - Spiritual Immaturity Holds Us Back:
The author admonishes believers for remaining spiritual infants, still needing milk instead of solid food (Hebrews 5:12). This stunts spiritual growth and keeps us from understanding deeper truths. Are you stuck in the basics of faith, or are you actively seeking to grow in your knowledge of God’s Word? Commit to digging deeper into Scripture and applying it to your life. - Training to Discern Good and Evil:
Spiritual maturity involves constant use of God’s Word to train ourselves to distinguish good from evil (Hebrews 5:14). This requires discipline, practice, and reliance on the Holy Spirit. Are you consistently studying God’s Word and allowing it to shape your decisions and attitudes? Make time daily to engage with Scripture and seek God’s guidance. - The Call to Maturity:
Just as physical growth is expected in life, spiritual growth is essential for believers. Staying stagnant not only limits our understanding but also hinders our ability to live out God’s purpose. Are you taking steps to grow in your faith, or are you content with spiritual infancy? Challenge yourself to move forward, trusting God to guide your journey.
Summary Key Points:
- Yeshua Is Our High Priest: He understands our weaknesses and offers eternal salvation.
- Spiritual Growth Is Essential: Don’t remain in the basics of faith; press on to maturity.
- God’s Word Trains Us: Regular engagement with Scripture helps us discern good from evil.
- Maturity Reflects Obedience: Growing in faith involves applying God’s truth in daily life.
- Seek Deeper Understanding: Pursue God with a heart eager to learn and grow.
Application:
Evaluate your spiritual growth and identify areas where you may need to move beyond the basics of faith. Commit to a deeper study of God’s Word, asking the Holy Spirit to guide your understanding and application. Seek accountability and encouragement from other believers to help you grow in maturity and live out your faith with purpose.
Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, thank You for sending Yeshua as our perfect High Priest. Help us to trust in Him fully and grow in our understanding of Your Word. Teach us to move beyond spiritual infancy and pursue maturity in our faith. Shape our hearts and minds through Your truth so that we may live lives that glorify You. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. John Golda
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