Jesus is Better Than the Levitical Priests (Hebrews 6:13-7:28)

If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood…why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? Hebrews 7:11 (NIV)

Context

Today’s video, “Who is Melchizedek?”, unpacks the reasons the author compares Jesus with Melchizedek and his priesthood. It also offers two views of the historical identity of this priest-king.

The prediction of a priesthood that would come after the order of Melchizedek (spoken of in Psalm 110) also indicated the coming of a new covenant/law. This is why the author compares the priesthood of Melchizedek with the levitical, the priests who mediated between God and Israel in the old covenant.

Observation

Before discussing Melchizedek in Hebrews 7, the author assures his readers that God’s promises confirmed by oath will, without a doubt, be fulfilled (6:13-20). He then outlines the similarities he sees between Jesus and Melchizedek (7:1-3).

He then moves on to explain how a priesthood after the order of Melchizedek (fulfilled in Jesus) would be superior to one after the order of Levi (a descendent of Abraham) (7:4-28).

Interpretation

The author considers the similarities between Jesus and Melchizedek (from Genesis 14:17-20) along with the messianic prediction of the coming of an eternal priest after the order of Melchizedek (in Psalm 110:4). He finds in these passages evidence that Christ’s priesthood (after the order of Melchizedek) is far superior to the levitical priesthood, which he uses to persuade his readers not to go back to the Law’s inferior system. What are the deficiencies of the levitical priesthood? Why would it be foolish for them to return to it?

The confirmation of Christ’s priesthood by oath, his perfection, and his eternal intercession are all guarantees that Jesus can meet the readers’ every need, no matter how difficult their circumstance.

Application

The author’s comparison with Melchizedek reminds us that Jesus is both our king and our high priest.

What are the practical implications of Jesus as your king? In what specific area(s) of your life do you need to be reminded that he is your king?

What are the practical implications his priesthood over you? In what specific area(s) of life do you need to be reminded that he is your high priest?