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In this central part of Hebrews, chapters seven to ten, the writer gives an exposition on the heavenly, permanent High Priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ.
To show from the Scriptures the superiority of the Priesthood of Jesus to that of the Levitical priesthood, the writer uses as his text Psalm 110:4,
Psalm 110:4 "The LORD has sworn And will not relent, 'You are a priest forever According to the order of Melchizedek.'" (NKJV)
The Psalm is recognised as Messianic, and that David "in the spirit" wrote it (Matthew 22:44 ). The writer of Hebrews further supports his teaching by expounding the Scripture narrative of Genesis 14:18-20. Examine each section of chapter seven so as to come to the feet of Jesus your High Priest in worship and thankfulness.
The Melchizedek priesthood is used as a type of the better High Priesthood of Jesus. The picture is a composite of the recorded details of Genesis 14:18-20 expounded for our instruction.
When Did This Happen?
Special priestly ministry was given to Abraham when he was returning from a great victory over the confederacy of kings that had invaded Canaan (Genesis 14:1 ). Melchizedek's timely arrival and appropriate affirmation that Abraham served "God Most High" (Genesis 14:19 ) prepared him to confront and overcome the temptation to take all the spoils as suggested by the worldly, fleshly king of Sodom (Genesis 14:21-22 ). Our great High Priest is able to protect us from worldly entanglements and pride of flesh that so readily accompany the flush of victory. In His presence we are reminded where true satisfaction and reward are found. Our heavenly Melchizedek "Priest of the Most High God" is available to us.
How Was Proper Recognition Given?
Abraham's response in giving a tenth indicated his personal recognition of Melchizedek as "priest of the Most High God" - the only true and living God to whom Abraham gave worship and service. His voluntary giving (he was not under the law) marked all he had as belonging to the Lord. Did he not owe everything to the Lord's mercy and amazing grace? Therefore not only his possessions, but he himself was the Lord's property for the Master's use. Our response to the mercy of God through Jesus our High Priest should be,
Giving to God should be indicative of our having first given ourselves to Him (2 Corinthians 8:5 ), out of recognition that Jesus has bought us at a price (1 Corinthians 6:19-20 ). We give to Him what is His right, ourselves and possessions.
How Significant Are His Titles?
Melchizedek means righteousness, and Salem (Jerusalem) means peace. Christ Jesus our Melchizedek is the true king of righteousness as the Son given (Isaiah 9:6-7 ). He fulfilled all righteousness (Matthew 3:15 ). He is bound about with righteousness and faithfulness in all His actions (Isaiah 11:5 ). His is the kingdom of righteousness (Isaiah 32:1; Jeremiah 23:5-6; 33:15 ). Through faith in His sacrifice of atonement we have righteousness from God (Romans 3:21-26 ). Our High Priest is righteousness in Himself and becomes the righteousness of all who have faith in His blood. Our Melchizedek is the King of peace (Isaiah 9:6 ). Through faith in Him we have peace with God (Romans 5:1 ). His peace is a guard and umpire for us (Philippians 4:7; Colossians 3:15 ). His peace can be given in abundance to us (Jude 2 ). Both righteousness and peace are the gifts of His love to us, and can never be earned by us.
What Points To His Continuing Priesthood?
That Melchizedek was a normal human being is clear - but the silence in the Genesis account as to his parentage points in figure to the eternal existence of Christ and His unending, unchanging, unfailing Priesthood.
QUESTIONS FOR GROUP INTERACTIONIn which way is Abraham an example of grace giving (Hebrews 7:2 )?
Christ, your Melchizedek, is the King of righteousness and King of peace (Hebrews 7:2 ). What do these titles mean in practical terms to your living under His rule?