Category: Priest

A wonderful lesson is taught in Hebrews 7, concerning our priesthood under the New Covenant. It surpasses in greatness the priesthood of the Jews, which existed as a type of what would come in the last days. The Hebrew writer argues this truth in a very interesting way. By using Melchizedek, the king of Salem.

Who was Melchizedek? We know his title and significance, but nothing of his life. In fact, he is described in the text as being “without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life…” (7:3). This does not mean that Melchizedek was more than a man, it is simply noting that Melchizedek exists in the narrative of the Old and New Testaments to teach something about Christ. We don’t know or need to know anything about where he came from. We don’t know when he was born, or when he died. We just know him to be both the king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. Because of this lack of information regarding Melchizedek in the pages of the Bible, it is as if he, “remains a priest continually”, thus foreshadowing the eternal nature of Christ’s priesthood. Continue reading “The Priest of God Most High” →

Aaron, the older brother of Moses, was appointed to be the first High Priest of the nation of Israel. This was an office established by God under the Old Covenant, the Law that God gave to Moses to govern the Jews. Aaron was the first of many men who served in this capacity before Jesus. He was a descendent of Levi, hence the priesthood is known as the Levitical or Aaronic priesthood. Put simply, these were mere men, themselves guilty of sin, who yearly had to offer the blood of bulls and goats for atonement, first for themselves, and then for the people of Israel, (cf. Leviticus 16:1-5).

In the letter to the Hebrews, the Holy Spirit makes clear the differences between Jesus as High Priest, and those who went on before. Consider the following: Continue reading “Comparing High Priests” →

Here in our text the writer talks about why Jesus did what He did while on earth. Since we humans and flesh and blood, Jesus too became fully human (cf. John 1:14; Philippians 2:5-8). His intent in coming was to free us from the bondage of sin and death, by gaining the victory over the devil, “him who had the power of death” (14). He did this through His death on the cross, serving as a sufficient sacrifice for sin.

Jesus did not do this for angels, but for humankind, “the seed of Abraham” (16). It was necessary for our redemption that Jesus become in all points like we are (Philippians 2:8; Hebrew 4:14-15). He is unique, both man and God. His humanity makes Him a “merciful and faithful High Priest in things pertaining to God”(17) i.e. no one can take his position as  both our High Priest, and our propitiation for sins.

In being a man, He was tempted like us. So, this gives Him the power to aid us in our own temptations. Praise be to God.

Melchizedek was the King of Salem, and a contemporary of Abraham. Hebrews 7 reveals that Abraham paid tithes to the king, and establishes two important points from that short interaction between the two men.

(1) The Genesis account of the meeting describes Melchizedek, “Then Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18). Thus, inspiration describes Melchizedek both as a king, and as a priest of God.

Remember that under the law of Moses, the priesthood (tribe of Levi) and royal lineage (tribe of Judah) were separate. Under the Old Law, one from the tribe of Judah could not serve as a priest. Since Jesus was of the tribe of Judah, it was necessary that the Old Law pass away, and a New covenant between God and man be established. Jesus serves as both Priest and King, (of which Melchizedek serves as a type), under His new covenant for mankind.

(2) Since Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, we can conclude that the priesthood of Melchizedek, (with Christ as high priest), is a greater, better priesthood than the Levitical priesthood of the Old covenant. (See the argument made in Hebrews 7:4-10).

We are blessed to have Jesus Christ as our great high priest, under His new covenant. Through this we have the hope of salvation, an eternal presence before God.

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Christians are described in the New Testament as Priests of God (cf. 1 Peter 2:9-10). We do not offer animal sacrifices. Instead we offer:

* Our Bodies
* Faith
* Support (for preaching)
* Praise (with our lips)

Audio

Powerpoint Slides

Invitation delivered by: Stan Cox

Hebrews 7 describes the superiority of Christ as our High Priest. He is perfect, both as sacrifice and priest. Therefore, He is able to save us to the uttermost.

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Hebrews 8 establishes that Jesus Christ, as our High Priest, is superior in every way to those who ministered in that office under the Old Covenant.

Sermon Audio: Click Here .