Bible Reading Blog
“The Order of Melchizedek”
Categories: Congregational Bible ReadingBIBLE READING: Genesis 14; Hebrews 5, 7
Melchizedek is an obscure character in a book filled with major players. But his minor role has major significance in foreshadowing Christ’s role in God’s plan. As the writer of Hebrews says, Jesus was “designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek… forever” (Hebrews 5.10; 7.7; cf. Psalm 110.4).
We meet Melchizedek following Abram’s slaughter of the kings (Hebrews 7.1; Genesis 14.17-24). We learn he was priest of God Most High and he blessed Abram (Genesis 14.18-19). In turn, Abram gave him a tenth of everything he regained in his conquest (Genesis 14.20). There is only one other OT reference in which David foresaw the Messiah as one who was both priest and king and would bring justice to the world (Psalm 110).
These are not random details. We learn from the law that the priestly role allowed people to draw near to God. They payment for their role were the firstfruit offerings and other choice portions that were given to the LORD as a tithe (Leviticus 18.3; Hebrews 7.5). But the Levitical priesthood was limited by time and lineage (Hebrews 7.11). In this man, Melchizedek, we learn of a better priesthood that was not based on bodily descent (Hebrews 7.16). This is emphasized by his lack of genealogy (Hebrews 7.3). The Levitical priesthood was required to know their genealogy, tying them directly to their physical descent [Ezra 2.62]. But every priest died, leaving a void and requiring another man and more sacrifices to be made to fill the role. But Jesus’ priesthood does not have “beginning of days nor end of life…” because he was raised from the dead to an indestructible life (Hebrews 7.16). This does not teach that Melchizedek lived forever. It rather implies the eternality and perfection of this priesthood. It is not limited and can continue beyond the bounds of the law. There is no need to look for another because Jesus ever lives to make intercession on our behalf (Hebrews 7.25).
Like Melchizedek, Jesus is the king of righteousness and the king of peace in the most perfect sense (Hebrews 7.2). He shows us how to be right with God but also intercedes perfectly because he understands our weaknesses (Hebrews 4.15). Jesus secured this position forever by the perfect sacrifice of his life and his resurrection from the dead (Hebrews 7.16, 23-24, 27). For this reason, “…he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him…” (Hebrews 5.9)
That’s why these things matter: “Jesus is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession” (Hebrews 7.25). We must appreciate the need of the high priest, but also the perfection of Jesus to fulfil this role. Through him we are able to draw near to God with confidence and hope, by his own blood and perfection (Hebrews 4.16; 10.19-22). And so, “do not refuse him who is speaking to you”, but love and obey our great high priest (Hebrews 12.25).
