I don’t want to rush past the discussion about Jesus as our High Priest. There are some critical messages for us to be thankful for. Jesus was chosen to be the perfect High Priest. Humans in the role of High Priest up to Jesus had always been sinful themselves. Not only were they responsible for the sins of others, but they also had their own to deal with.
Jesus was sinless, already crying out for those around him as he walked the earth. Yet he was made perfect because he could understand those sins have been tempted by them. The author says, “Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.” Jesus’ afflictions did display his obedience brilliantly. What a great role model for us to follow.
Our author seems a little annoyed with his audience for their apparent lack of progress in the faith department. The reference made to food and our readiness for more, that is, solid food. Apparently, the people weren’t teaching others about Jesus or sharing their faith. It’s like they were keeping all the knowledge to themselves or not bold enough to want to share for some reason.
I’m sure this reading can strike a chord with us if we are floundering a bit, unsure of our own relationship with Jesus. Why would we share something we’re still figuring out? We can’t drink milk forever and stay like infants in our faith. It’s God’s desire that we draw closer to Him and start eating solid food. He wants to give us more, but only if we’re ready.
A perfect example of how we should respond to our understanding of Jesus and our faith can be found in the business world. When we were learning and feeling like we didn’t know what we were doing, we were encouraged to share what we knew with others. Being in community and being recognized as an authority were good things. If we learned a particular benefit or tip, we would turn around and share it. We didn’t wait until we knew “everything” there was to know. That would be unattainable.
Can it be like that with our faith? Can it be that we read and then share a verse that resonates with us or a passage that really fits what’s happening in the world right now? Why don’t we share those things? When we have a faith “a-ha” moment, why aren’t we picking up the phone to call a friend?
Maybe you’re already enjoying solid food and find yourself looking back, remembering what it was like to be stuck in the liquid diet phase of your spiritual journey. It makes total sense, and you only wish you could encourage your friends and family to hunger for solid food as much as you do.
We’re all on our own spiritual journey, drawing closer to the heart of God. Let this passage resonate with you wherever you are on that path. Maybe you didn’t even know there was a solid food option. Be in conversation with God about your place on the journey and ask for your eyes to be opened to more.
The author doesn’t want his audience to fall off the spiritual path and warns of the danger. It’s clear the author has great affection for his audience. He says of his fellow faith leaders, “Our great desire is that you will keep on loving others as long as life lasts, in order to make certain that what you hope for will come true.” What an assignment!
We can include ourselves in this statement. “Therefore, we who have fled to him for refuge can have great confidence as we hold to the hope that lies before us.” So long as we are journeying toward Christ, we are seeking his refuge. Confidence in Christ holds the promise of a hope for our future. That is surprisingly helpful news in this current day. We don’t have to worry about the future because Jesus has it all worked out. It won’t be out of whack forever.
Solid food sounds more enticing than just milk. We’ll always need the basics to help others who are just starting out on their journey. It’s okay to be further along. In fact, that’s when we can come alongside someone else and help them find their way.
Let’s pray. Lord Jesus, thank you that you are guiding me and drawing me closer to you. Forgive me for the times I have strayed off the path and needed milk again. Fill me so that I am ready to share with others all that you have done for the world and for me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
