Hebrews 5:4-5 "And no man taketh this honour unto himself, but he that is called of God, as was Aaron. (5) So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee."
The writer is comparing the priests under the law with our Great High Priest.
It was under the authority of God that Aaron (brother of Moses) and the
Levitical priesthood was established. It is the same authority of God that has
established Jesus Christ as our Great High Priest. "Therefore let all the
house of Israel know assuredly, that God hath made that same Jesus, whom ye
have crucified, both Lord and Christ." (Acts 2:36)
"As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the
order of Melchisedec." (Hebrews 5:6) I am not going to go into deep
detail about Melchisedec. Many people have their ideas about Melchisedec. Here
is my observation.
I mentioned in a previous paragraph concerning the Levitical priesthood being
established by God. Melchisedec is mentioned because he was not of the tribe of
Levi. Why was he not? Melchisedec lived in the days of Abraham. Abraham was the
great grandfather of Levi. Though he was not of Levi's tribe, Melchisedec was a
legitimate high priest. Abraham paid tithes unto Melchisedec.
Why go into all this? Just as Melchisedec was a high priest not according to
the tribe of Levi, so Jesus also is the Great High Priest, but not according to
the Levitical order. This would take away any argument against Jesus being the
High Priest. For the Hebrews to deny Jesus as High Priest would also require
them to deny Melchisedec. To deny Melchisidec would deny the authenticity of
the account of Father Abraham.
It is important for you and me to be established in the truth of Jesus as our
High Priest. He is seated at the right hand of the Father. He makes our prayers
acceptable unto the Father. He was appointed this office by God, the
Father. Because this is true, you and I can find the mercy and grace of
God - ONLY through our Lord Jesus. Do not hesitate to call upon Him. Be assured
He welcomes you to the throne of grace based upon His position and His power.