“Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek” ( Hebrews 5:8–10 ESV).
Though Jesus is the eternal Son of God, He entered fully into our humanity and “learned obedience” through suffering. This does not mean He was ever disobedient, but that His obedience to the Father was tested in the most complete way—by enduring the cross. Through His suffering, He was “made perfect,” not in moral character (for He was already sinless, Heb. 4:15), but in the sense of being fully qualified to be our Mediator. Having completed His earthly mission, He became the source of eternal salvation for all who “obey Him.”
The author then connects Jesus’ perfect obedience to His divine appointment as “High Priest after the order of Melchizedek.” This title is drawn from Psalm 110:4, where David prophesied, “The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.’” The figure of Melchizedek first appears in Genesis 14:18–20, where he is both “king of Salem” (meaning peace) and “priest of God Most High.” His name means “king of righteousness.” Thus, Melchizedek foreshadows Christ—our righteous and peaceful Priest-King who reigns forever. The Son, though divine, was designated by God to fulfill this eternal priesthood, perfectly joining together righteousness and peace through His obedient suffering.
Jesus’ obedience through suffering calls us to a faith that also obeys. To “obey” Him is not mere rule-keeping but a wholehearted response of trust and allegiance. True faith believes that Jesus alone is our Savior who endured suffering for our redemption, our Priest who intercedes for us before the Father, and our King who reigns in righteousness and peace. As those who have received eternal salvation through Him, we now live as His obedient people, walking in faith that follows His will, even through trials. Our obedience does not earn salvation—it believes, receives, and expresses it. Because we have such a High Priest, we can draw near to God with confidence, offering our lives in grateful devotion.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for sending Your Son, our righteous King and eternal High Priest, who learned obedience through suffering for our salvation. Help us to obey Him in faith—to believe, follow, and trust Him in every circumstance. May our lives display the righteousness and peace of Your kingdom as we serve our great Savior, Priest, and King—Jesus Christ our Lord. In His name we pray, amen.