1 Every high priest is chosen from among men. He is appointed to act for them in everything that has to do with God. He offers gifts and sacrifices for their sins.
2 He is able to deal gently with those who have gone down the wrong path without knowing it. He can do that because he himself is weak.
3 That's why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins. He must also do it for the sins of the people.
4 No one can take that honor for himself. He must be appointed by God, just as Aaron was.
5 Even Christ did not take the glory of becoming a high priest for himself. God said to him, "You are my Son. Today I have become your Father." (Psalm 2:7)
6 In another place he said, "You are a priest forever, just like Melchizedek." (Psalm 110:4)
7 Jesus prayed while he lived on earth. He made his appeal with loud cries and tears. He prayed to the One who could save him from death. God heard him because he truly honored God.
8 Jesus was God's Son. But by suffering he learned what it means to obey.
9 In that way he was made perfect. Eternal salvation comes from him. He saves all those who obey him.
10 God appointed him to be the high priest, just like Melchizedek.
11 We have a lot to say about that. But it is hard to explain it to you. You learn too slowly.
12 By this time you should be teachers. But in fact, you need someone to teach you all over again. You need even the simple truths of God's word. You need milk, not solid food.
13 Anyone who lives on milk is still a baby. That person does not want to learn about living a godly life.