[I am currently on leave, while I am away, I am reposting these devotions from earlier in our Hebrews series].
I want to do something a little different today and explore a bit more about Jesus’ identity as a “High Priest in the Order of Melchizedek”. This is something we saw yesterday in these verses from Hebrews 5:5-6:
“So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, ‘You are my Son, today I have begotten you’; as he says also in another place, ‘You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.'”
This idea of Jesus being set aside as a Melchizedekian high priest, is something the author of Hebrews will return to as Hebrews goes on, so I think we should probably try to understand it a bit more.
Understanding Melchizedek
Melchizedek is a mysterious figure who appears briefly in Genesis 14:18-20. He was the king of Salem and a priest of the Most High God. Melchizedek blessed Abram, and Abram gave him a tenth of everything. This encounter is brief, but it establishes Melchizedek as a figure of immense spiritual authority. Unlike other priests who come from the lineage of Aaron, Melchizedek’s priesthood is unique, without genealogical ties, symbolising a priesthood that is eternal and divinely appointed.
In the Book of Hebrews, the writer draws a parallel between Jesus and Melchizedek to show the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood over the Levitical priesthood. In Hebrews 5:5-6 and again Hebrews 7:17, the author quotes Psalm 110:4, and says, “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” These statements show us that Jesus’ priesthood is eternal and not based on hereditary lines. Look at what he says in Hebrews 7:24-25.
“But because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.”
This passage reassures us that Jesus’ role as our High Priest is everlasting and perfect. Unlike the priests of the Old Testament who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly and eventually died, Jesus’ sacrifice was once and for all, and He lives forever to intercede for us.
This has significant implications for our lives. We are fallen creatures and as a result of our sin, we have been separated from God. The Levitical priests offered sacrifices to atone for the sins of the people, but these sacrifices had to be repeated because they were not perfect. The priesthood of Jesus, however, is different. His priesthood addresses our need to be reconciled to God perfectly. Jesus, the sinless one, offered Himself as the perfect sacrifice, reconciling us to God once and for all. And because his priesthood is everlasting and eternal, his sacrifice doesn’t need to be offered again and again.
What does this help for us today?
It helps us because we know our High Priest is never going away. It means that we have a High Priest who is always interceding for us, who understands our struggles intimately, and who has provided a once-and-for-all sacrifice for our sins. We don’t need to rely on our efforts to bridge the gap to God. Jesus has done it perfectly.
Abram gave Melchizedek one tenth. We owe Jesus everything.
Prayer:
Lord Jesus, we thank You for being our eternal High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. Thank You for Your perfect sacrifice that reconciles us to the Father once and for all. Help us to live in the confidence and peace that comes from Your intercession. May we continually approach Your throne of grace with boldness, drawing mercy and help in our times of need. Let our lives be a testament to Your love and intercession, sharing the hope we have in You with the world. Amen.
Spiritual Challenge:
Today, take a moment to reflect on any burdens or sins you carry. Bring them before Jesus in prayer, trusting in his role as your eternal High Priest. Rest in the assurance that he understands and intercedes for you.