Topic: Order of Melchizedek
Once someone’s mind is made up it is difficult to change it. Back in the 15th century the world’s leaders and scientists were convinced that the earth was flat because, after all, when you look out towards the horizon it looks flat. People were executed for doubting this principal. It was not until Christopher Columbus and others came along that the western world grudgingly let go of their beliefs.
For the recipients of the letter of Hebrews the situation was similar. They were Jews who were coming out of Judaism to embrace this new Way of Jesus Christ. But Christians were not popular at the time and so persecution arose. This made them doubt that Jesus was better than the system which had been ingrained in them for many generations.
The whole point of Chapter 6:13 through Chapter 7 is that God’s Word, His oath, is more powerful and more trustworthy than Judaism.
- More trustworthy than priests put in office by family line
- More trustworthy than the Law which is unable to make anyone holy.
- More trustworthy than Man who is destructible.
Hebrews chapters 6 and 7 clarifies why Jesus’ Melchizedek priesthood is superior to that of Aaron. Hebrews 7:23–24 implies that Jesus holds His priestly office eternally, using a Greek word that suggests something that cannot be passed down or changed. Hebrews 7:26 calls this priest exalted and sinless.
Melchizedek’s sudden appearance and disappearance in the book of Genesis is somewhat mysterious. Melchizedek and Abraham first met after Abraham’s defeat of the king of Elam and his three allies. Melchizedek presented bread and wine to Abraham and his weary men, demonstrating friendship. He bestowed a blessing on Abraham in the name of El Elyon (God Most High) and praised God for giving Abraham a victory in battle (Genesis 14:18–20).
In Psalm 110, a messianic psalm written by David, Melchizedek is presented as a type of Christ. Some commentators say Melchizedek’s appearance to Abraham was actually a Christophany, an early revelation of Jesus Christ.
This theme is repeated in the book of Hebrews, where both Melchizedek and Christ are considered kings of righteousness and peace. By citing Melchizedek and his unique priesthood as a type, the writer shows that Christ’s new priesthood is superior to the old Levitical order and the priesthood of Aaron (Hebrews 7:1–10).
There are two main points from Hebrews chapter 7:
1. The Levitical priesthood (the Law) cannot bring salvation.
2. Jesus, the high priest of God brings salvation, because He lives forever.
See you Sunday,
Dr. Scott Kallem