Hebrews 5:2—“Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way; for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity.”

Hebrews 5 describes the qualifications of Israel’s high priest. Being chosen “from among men” (v. 1), he represented the people before God and offered sacrifices for their sins. Because he shared their human weakness, he was able to “have compassion” on those who sinned through ignorance or wandered from God’s way.

The expression “have compassion” conveys the thought of responding gently and patiently. The high priest was not to excuse sin, but neither was he to treat sinners with cruelty or contempt. He understood the frailty of fallen humanity because he himself was “compassed with infirmity”. Indeed, the earthly high priest had to offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as for the people’s (v. 3).

This imperfect priesthood points us to the superior compassion of Jesus Christ. Unlike the Levitical priests, Christ was entirely without sin. Nevertheless, He truly assumed our humanity, experienced suffering and temptation, and is therefore able to sympathise with our weaknesses (Hebrews 4:15). His compassion is perfect: He neither overlooks our sins nor casts away those who repent. Having offered Himself as the sufficient sacrifice, He saves and restores all who come unto God by Him.

This verse also instructs believers in ministering to those who are “out of the way”. Awareness of our own weakness should restrain pride and harshness. Those who are ignorant must be patiently taught; those who wander must be lovingly corrected; and those who repent must be graciously restored. “Considering thyself, lest thou also be tempted” (Galatians 6:1), correct the erring with truth, humility, and compassion. Remembering how patiently Christ deals with us will help us deal patiently with others.