1 For every high priest, taken from among human beings, is appointed to act on their behalf in matters relating to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. 2 He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is also subject to weakness. 3 Because of this, he must offer sacrifices for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. 4 And no one takes this honor for himself, but receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was.

5 So Christ also did not glorify himself to become high priest. Rather, he was glorified by the one who said to him,

6 just as he also says elsewhere,

7 During his life in the flesh, he offered prayers and pleas with loud cries and tears to the one who could save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. 8 Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. 9 And having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him, 10 having been designated by God as high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

11 We have much to say about this, and it is hard to explain because you have become slow to listen. 12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you again need someone to teach you the elementary principles of God's word. You have come to need milk, not solid food. 13 For everyone who feeds on milk is inexperienced in the word of righteousness, since he is an infant. 14 But solid food is for the mature, whose senses have been trained by practice to distinguish good from evil.