Hebrews Lesson for Next Sunday, Lent 5

Hebrews 5:5-10

King James Version (KJV)

 5So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.

 6As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.

 7Who in the days of his flesh, when he had offered up prayers and supplications with strong crying and tears unto him that was able to save him from death, and was heard in that he feared; 8Though he were a Son, yet learned he obedience by the things which he suffered; 9And being made perfect, he became the author of eternal salvation unto all them that obey him; 10Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec.

Invariably, Hebrews 5:5 “he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, today have I begotten thee” catches my eye and stirs up -- what? Well, frankly, controversy, which is always much relished. The phrase appears several places in the Bible including Psalm 2, Hebrews 1, Hebrews 5, Acts 13.

But most intriguingly in some translations of Luke 3 at Jesus’ baptism. 

New Jerusalem Bible, Luke 3:21-22 21 “Now it happened that when all the people had been baptised and while Jesus after his own baptism was at prayer, heaven opened 22 and the Holy Spirit descended on him in a physical form, like a dove. And a voice came from heaven, 'You are my Son; today have I fathered you.'” 

And the Scholars Version, Luke 3:21-22 “And it so happened when all the people were baptized, and after Jesus had been baptized and while he was praying, the sky opened up, and the holy spirit came down on him in bodily form like a dove, and a voice came from the sky, you are my son; today I have become your father.”

It appears in the fifth century Greek manuscript Codex Bezae. And in fourth century church father Epiphanius’ discussion of the Gospel of the Ebionites (c.a., 100-150 AD). 

It makes for excellent controversy. Was it suppressed by some scribes, translators, and/or the Church and church fathers because it contradicts the Nativity story in Luke and more significantly goes against the prologue to John’s gospel? And obviously is counter to the Nicene Creed’s assertion of the eternally begotten Son.

So the question for the class, then, is “When did Jesus become the Son of God?”

Is “Well, it depends” one possible answer?

Is “Seek the truth, come whence it may, cost what it will” too threatening?

And is “Just because you believe it, that don’t make it so” too startling and in your face?!

TW+