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Hebrews 5:11-14, There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen. You have been believers so long now that you ought to be teaching others. Instead, you need someone to teach you again the basic things about God’s word. You are like babies who need milk and cannot eat solid food. For someone who lives on milk is still an infant and doesn’t know how to do what is right. Solid food is for those who are mature, who through training have the skill to recognize the difference between right and wrong.

This chapter starts with a discussion about the role of high priest.  This is the person who represents sinful human beings before God.  He would not choose this position but rather God would call him, as God called and chose Aaron.  The high priest is also someone who must have compassion, grace, and mercy toward those who are struggling.  The author makes the point that Jesus had all these qualifications and more.  He was called by God to be our high priest and he had incredible mercy and love toward sinful people.  Jesus served as both our mediator before God and as the perfect sacrifice.  Because of his ultimate sacrifice, we can be reconciled to holy God.

But as the chapter progresses, the topic moves toward spiritual maturity. Those who are not spiritually mature are not effective in serving Jesus and his Kingdom.  The author states there is more to say about the role of the high priest but the audience is not capable of hearing or understanding.  Even though they’ve been believers for a long time, they act like little babies in the faith.  They aren’t able to eat solid food but still need milk; they need to be spoon fed.  And this is their own fault!  They have failed to go deep in their spiritual training and they have closed their minds to God’s message.  These are harsh but necessary words.

It’s easy to simply attend church services, go to Sunday School classes or small groups, and live a “religious” life.  In fact, we can participate in a lot of religious activity without ever growing in our walk with Jesus.  No one wants to acknowledge this because the truth of it is so painful.  We have thousands upon thousands of Americans who come to church but are spiritual babies.  They can’t handle solid food.  The scarier thing to me is that they don’t really want solid food.  Milk is fine with them.  Superficial belief is fine.  Going deeper means sacrifice.  Going deeper means doing hard things.  Going deeper means confronting some of the darker parts of ourselves.  We are no difference than the audience of Hebrews.  Jesus, help us.

Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, How we need you.  We live superficial lives.  Soften our hearts, convict us, open our eyes to your truth.  Help us go deeper even when it’s hard.  In Your Name, Amen.