Let’s take some time to explore the mysterious figure of Melchizedek, and see how he fits in to the narrative of our redemption.
Melchizedek in Genesis
Genesis 14:17–20 (NLT)
After Abram returned from his victory over Kedorlaomer and all his allies, the king of Sodom went out to meet him in the valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley).
18 And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. 19 Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing:
“Blessed be Abram by God Most High,
Creator of heaven and earth.
20 And blessed be God Most High,
who has defeated your enemies for you.”
Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered.
Who even is Melchizedek, and what do we learn about him from this passage? (Not much!)
Why is it significant that he is both a king and priest?
Melchizedek blesses Abraham and receives a tithe from him. What might this suggest about his spiritual authority? How does this foreshadow Jesus’ role?
Psalm 110 and the Priesthood of Christ
Psalm 110:1-4 (ESV)
The Lord says to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool.” The Lord sends forth from Zion your mighty scepter. Rule in the midst of your enemies! Your people will offer themselves freely on the day of your power, in holy garments; from the womb of the morning, the dew of your youth will be yours. The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.”
This is the psalm that Jesus quoted in our study this past weekend. It is a very famous Messianic prophecy that Jesus literally applies to himself. What does it mean for the Messiah to be “a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek?”
In the Old Testament, priests came from the tribe of Levi, but Melchizedek was outside this system. Why is it important that Jesus’ priesthood is not from the Levitical line but from Melchizedek’s order?
Jesus is the Greater High Priest
Hebrews 7:1-3 (ESV)
For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.
How does the writer of Hebrews describe Melchizedek as resembling the Son of God? What does it mean that he is “without father or mother, without genealogy?”
Hebrews 7:23-28 (ESV)
The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. 25 Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.
For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself. For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
How is Jesus’ priesthood superior to the Levitical priesthood? What does it mean that Jesus’ priesthood is “permanent” and “unchangeable”?
Verse 25 above says that Jesus “always lives to make intercession” for us. How should this encourage us in our daily walk with God?
Jesus’ Role as High Priest
John 8:58 (ESV)
“Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”
Colossians 1:15–17 (ESV)
He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. 16 For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. 17 And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together.
How do these passages affirm that Jesus is eternal and divine? How does this connect with the mysterious nature of Melchizedek?
Hebrews 1:1-3 (ESV)
Long ago, at many times and in many ways, God spoke to our fathers by the prophets, 2 but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed the heir of all things, through whom also he created the world. 3 He is the radiance of the glory of God and the exact imprint of his nature, and he upholds the universe by the word of his power. After making purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high…
How does Jesus fulfill the roles of prophet, priest, and king? Why is it significant that He is both our priest and our atoning sacrifice?
What this means to us
Since Jesus is our High Priest, how should this change the way we approach prayer, worship, and confession? (Hebrews 4:14-16)
Melchizedek was both a king and a priest, just as Jesus is. How should this shape our understanding of Jesus’ authority and role in our lives?
What does Jesus’ eternal priesthood mean for our assurance of salvation? How does knowing that He intercedes for us impact our faith?
