What is this thing called a priest? Do they exist in this life? Is it a special calling? Calvin summarizes before he expands on this.

He first says that the priests were taken from among men; secondly, that they did not act a private part but for the whole people; thirdly, that they were not to come empty to appease God, but furnished with sacrifices; fourthly, that they were not to be exempt from human infirmities, that they might more readily succor the distressed; and lastly, that they were not presumptuously to rush into this office, and that then only was the honor legitimate when they were chosen and approved by God. We shall consider briefly each of these points.

There are two interpretations of the passage we have today. One is that one needs priests because we have to perform a sacrifice of the Mass. Calvin dismisses this: the priests of the Aaronic order were a type, an example, a means of confession for the people of Israel, so that they could deal with their sins, and remain a people of God. For they were told that those who could obey the law would live: a promise that is more prophetic than anything else, because the only one who can keep the law is Christ, who died for the sins of all.

Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.

For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was.

So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

(Hebrews 4:14-5:6 ESV)

If you have a theology of sacrifice: eucharist not communion, it follows that someone has to be called to a priesthood and stand in place. This falls out of transubstantiation: if it is the body and blood of Christ, not a lamb, not a symbol — I am talking about the Roman understanding, not the reformed — then the person who gives the service must be akin to a priest, but of an order older than that of Aaron.

Sex matters: that he is male. Conscription matters: not anyone should be a priest, but those called. Human frailty matters: the priest errs, as does his flock, and must confess his sins, and submit to the same discipline as his flock.

The priesthood cannot be a Lordly throne, inherited, containing power, where a ruler can do as they see fit. For that is the theology of no branches of the church: the Roman counter-reformation was about corruption in the church for good reasons.

The reformed position is that we have elders, and there is no priesthood. Christ is our priest. We would argue against female elders because a test for eldership is that you can lead your wife and children into faith: that you are the husband of one wife, with a note that those who live in Godly celibacy are also eligible. (The divorced, such as this blogger, should in the pews stay). But not all are called to this role. It is for a few, a holy duty one is drafted to.

For what the priests and elders teach matters. The congregation can be led astray, particularly in this fallen time, when we are not told to get up with the alarm and get on our knees. To confess our frailty and sin. To ask the spirit to strengthen us for this day, this hour. So that what is needed and good and true is done this day, and that which is unneeded and evil refrained from. So today, we will glorify God.