A New Kind of Priest for Everyone
Christian Winck, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons
Mythology or Theology?
Over the years, I observed how people are often more fascinated with mythology and sci-fi stories than those in the Bible. I’m speaking of people who claim to be Christian believers. I don’t expect non-believers to be that interested in biblical stories, although many are.
Consider what’s popular in entertainment and gaming. Some of the most popular TV series, movies, games, and books feature superheros, spirits, wizards, and various creatures from the netherworld. I’ve found many Christians more familiar with popular stories of the supernatural than biblical ones.
The supernatural has always intrigued people. Intellectuals and atheists may scorn interest in spiritual or supernatural things, but the majority of people in the world are fascinated by it. Perhaps those who think they’re smarter than most of us lack imagination.
Imagination is embedded in us. We can suppress it, but God created us with the ability to imagine, in part, so we could know Him.
God created humans with a spiritual capacity and longing. It’s built into us. As King Solomon said, “He [God] has put eternity into man’s heart” (Ecclesiastes 3:11). And yet, we live in a physical world and perceive it through our five physical senses.
God intervened in human history at various times. Long before He sent His Son Jesus to live on the earth, He sent a man named Melchizedek. Abraham, the father of God’s people, and all of us who believe in God, met Melchizedek.the priest (Genesis 14:18-20).
The story of Melchizedek isn’t mythology, but a story imbued with theology. By sending His Son, God made a way for us to connect with the eternity He put into our hearts. Jesus became a new kind of priest for everyone.
Scripture Text
Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. He met Abraham and blessed him when Abraham was returning from defeating the kings. Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had captured.
In the first place, Melchizedek’s name means king of righteousness. He is also called king of Salem (which means king of peace). No one knows anything about Melchizedek’s father, mother, or ancestors. No one knows when he was born or when he died. Like the Son of God, Melchizedek continues to be a priest forever. [vss 1-3]
You can see how important Melchizedek was. Abraham gave him a tenth of what he had captured, even though Abraham was the father of the chosen people. Moses’ Teachings say that members of the tribe of Levi who become priests must receive a tenth of everything from the people. The priests collect it from their own people, Abraham’s descendants.
Although Melchizedek was not from the tribe of Levi, he received a tenth of everything from Abraham. Then Melchizedek blessed Abraham, who had God’s promises. No one can deny that the more important person blesses the less important person. [vss 4-7]
Priests receive a tenth of everything, but they die. Melchizedek received a tenth of everything, but we are told that he lives. We could even say that when Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything, Levi was giving a tenth of everything. Levi gave, although later his descendants would receive a tenth of everything. Even though Levi had not yet been born, he was in the body of Abraham when Melchizedek met him. [vss 8-10] (Hebrews 7:1-10 GW)
[Context– Hebrews 7]
Key Phrase —
Like the Son of God, Melchizedek continues to be a priest forever.
Dig Deeper Into the Text—
What are we told about this person Melchizedek? What do his name and title mean?
What is Abraham's interaction with Melchizedek and what does it tell us about Abraham’s faith?
How is Melchizedek seen as similar to Jesus, the Son of God?
Why is the story of this relationship between Abraham and Melchizedek important to believers?
Things to Consider—
The natural destiny of life on earth is death. But Jesus interrupted this destiny with His life, death, and resurrection. When we personally trust in the Lord, He changes our destiny. Death is no longer a barrier to eternity for us.
The old order of relationship with God through the Mosaic Law didn’t fully open the door to eternity with God. It was temporary and limited by human frailty. This human weakness was overcome by Jesus, who became a new kind of priest, or bridge, between God and humanity.
Melchizedek is a mystery who reminds us of Jesus. He’s a prophetic snapshot of Jesus. Because we don’t know his origin, it’s as if Melchizedek is eternal, and this points us to Jesus, who has an eternal priesthood.
Abraham, the great patriarch of Israel, acknowledged Melchizedek as superior to him. Melchizedek blessed Abraham and Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of his goods.
The message of this text is that because Jesus is eternal in nature, He’s an indestructible priest. Jesus is a new and different kind of priest than those under the Old Covenant who were destined to die.
Though we cannot see Him now, we can trust Jesus with all that we are. He not only opens the door to eternity, He is the Door (John 10:7).
Answer These Questions to Apply God’s Word in Your Life—
Have you seen limitations and weaknesses in spiritual leaders?
Have you learned to accept that our human weaknesses make us all alike?
Do you understand that our hope and trust in Jesus is secure because He's eternal?
Have you learned to look past the limitations of others and yourself to trust in the Lord?
Here’s a link to a free study guide for the book of Hebrews— Study Guide and Study Questions for Hebrews
