5 1 For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed on behalf of men in matters relating to our Father, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also beset with weakness. 3 Because of this weakness he is obligated to offer sacrifices for sins, for himself just as he does for the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when he is called by our Father, just as Aaron was.
5 So also Christ did not glorify himself to become high priest, but it was the one who said to him, "You are my Son; today I have begotten you."
6 Just as he also says elsewhere, "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek." a a v6 Melchizedek, priest-king who blessed Abraham (Gen 14:18–20); with no recorded beginning or end, a picture of Christ's eternal priesthood.
7 During his life on earth, Jesus offered up prayers and pleas, with loud crying and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8 Although he was a Son, he learned obedience from what he suffered. 9 And having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10 having been appointed by our Father as a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
Milk or Solid Food
11 About this we have much to say, and it is hard to explain, since you have become slow to listen. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the basic principles of our Father's word. You have come to need milk, not solid food. 13 For everyone who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, since he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, for those who through practice have trained their senses to discern good from evil.