Hebrews 4:14-5:10

Amplified Bible

¹⁴ Inasmuch then as we [believers] have a great High Priest who has [already ascended and] passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession [of faith and cling tenaciously to our absolute trust in Him as Savior]. ¹⁵ For we do not have a High Priest who is unable to sympathize and understand our weaknesses and temptations, but One who has been tempted [knowing exactly how it feels to be human] in every respect as we are, yet without [committing any] sin. ¹⁶ Therefore let us [with privilege] approach the throne of grace [that is, the throne of God’s gracious favor] with confidence and without fear, so that we may receive mercy [for our failures] and find [His amazing] grace to help in time of need [an appropriate blessing, coming just at the right moment].

The Perfect High Priest

5 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed [to act] on behalf of men in things relating to God, so that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins. ² He is able to deal gently with the spiritually ignorant and misguided, since he is also subject to human weakness; ³ and because of this [human weakness] he is required to offer sacrifices for sins, for himself as well as for the people. ⁴ And besides, one does not appropriate for himself the honor [of being high priest], but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.

⁵ So too Christ did not glorify Himself so as to be made a high priest, but He [was exalted and appointed by the One] who said to Him,

⁶ just as He also says in another place,

⁷ In the days of His earthly life, Jesus offered up both [specific] petitions and [urgent] supplications [for that which He needed] with fervent crying and tears to the One who was [always] able to save Him from death, and He was heard because of His reverent submission toward God [His sinlessness and His unfailing determination to do the Father’s will]. ⁸ Although He was a Son [who had never been disobedient to the Father], He learned [active, special] obedience through what He suffered. ⁹ And having been made perfect [uniquely equipped and prepared as Savior and retaining His integrity amid opposition], He became the source of eternal salvation [an eternal inheritance] to all those who obey Him,^{(C) 10} being designated by God as High Priest according to the order of ^[b]Melchizedek.^(D)