Hebrews 5

1For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. 3Because of this he is bound to offer sacrifice for his own sins as well as for those of the people. 4And one does not take the honor upon himself, but he is called by God, just as Aaron was.

5So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him,

6as he says also in another place,

7In the days of his flesh, Jesusa offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard for his godly fear. 8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9and being made perfect he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 10being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchiz'edek.

Warning against Falling Away

11About this we have much to say which is hard to explain, since you have become dull of hearing. 12For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need some one to teach you again the first principles of God's word. You need milk, not solid food; 13for every one who lives on milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a child. 14But solid food is for the mature, for those who have their faculties trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.