Category: Priest

Here the writer repeats the truth established in Chapter 2 regarding the humanity of Jesus. His descent to earth, having been made “a little lower than the angels” (2:7), and suffering death, “perfected” Him. The Greek word here (teleio?) indicates completion or fulfillment. He accomplished everything God required of Him on earth. All was fulfilled in His sacrificial death. He became the “author” of salvation to those who obey. (Note the distinction between the lost and saved, as Christ has died for all, is whether or not they obey Jesus).

So, God exalted Him to the position of High Priest. It is noted elsewhere that Jesus, of the tribe of Judah, could not serve as priest under the Old Covenant. This position was relegated to the tribe of Levi. Under the New Covenant, Christ reigns as both King and High Priest. In this, His order is that of another King Priest of old, Melchizedek, the king of Salem, and a “priest of God Most High” (Genesis 14:18).

While the Hebrew writer later discusses this priesthood (cf. 7:1-10) this reference allowed him to rebuke his readers for their digression and ignorance. This takes place from Hebrew 5:12 – 6:8.

It is important to note that Jesus was not a usurper. He did not come to earth to “glorify Himself.” In fact, His coming was an act of humility, to do the will of His Father. While on earth He “humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death” (Philippians 2:8). Because of His obedience, we are told “God has also highly exalted Him” (2:9).

The Hebrew writer quotes two references to the Messiah (Psalm 2:7; 110:4) to establish this truth. He is, in fact, the Son of God. Likewise, He has been given a priesthood “according to the order of Melchizedek.” Melchizedek was the king of Salem (Jerusalem) in the days of Abraham, and “the priest of God Most High.” (Genesis 14:18).

Consider this truth. Jesus alone has God’s approval as Mediator between God and man. This is true because Jesus alone is ordained by the Father as the High Priest of Christians, (cf. John 14:6). It is true because of His obedience to His Father’s will. This obedience is fully demonstrated in His willingness to suffer and die on the cross for our sins. Read verse 8, “though He was a Son, yet He learned obedience by the things which He suffered.”

Question: What do we know about Melchizedek? Answer: Not much. The king of Salem is found only in Genesis 14.  We  know he was a king; He was a priest of God Most High (18); He blessed Abraham (19); Abraham paid a tithe to him (20).

Melchizedek’s Importance: 

• He was a type of Jesus Christ. We know nothing of his lineage, nor his birth or death. As such it is said of him by the Hebrew writer, “having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually” (3). Jesus is the Alpha and the Omega, who ever lives as our High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek.

What we learn from Melchizedek:

• Christ’s priesthood is greater than that of the Levitical priesthood, “but he whose genealogy is not derived from them [the sons of Levi] received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. Now beyond all contradiction the lesser is blessed by the better” (6-7).
• Jesus’ coming as a new high priest, proves that the Levitical priesthood was not perfect, otherwise there would be no need for Jesus to serve as High Priest (11).
• “The priesthood being changed, of necessity there is a change of law” (12). Jesus was from Judah so could not serve as a priest under the Old Covenant. The priestly tribe under the Old Covenant was Levi. Our hope is better as we draw near to God through our great High Priest, Jesus Christ!

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.

Audio

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 .