The Order of Melchizedek Hebrews 7:1-10 - We are finally picking up on a discussion that the writer of Hebrews wanted to have back in Chapter 5 but he stopped to give a warning. - He is now returning to a discussion of Jesus being of the order of Melchizedek to expound upon His high priesthood. - Hebrews 5:9-11 - We will be discussing Jesus being of the Order of Melchizedek for the next 3 chapters so I would like to answer the question today of why Melchizedek. - What is so important about Melchizedek? - The writer of Hebrews is striving to present a new priesthood to the Jews. - In order to efficiently do that, he must deal with the questions, “Why do we need a new priesthood when we already have one?” and “How could it be any better than the one we already have?” - The Latin word for ‘priest’ is ‘pontifex’ = ‘bridge builder’ - The priest’s role is to build a bridge between God and man. - Jesus Christ is the Great High Priest who has permanently constructed a bridge giving man access to God. (One True Mediator) - This is the whole theme of the letter: Hebrews 8:1 – “Now this is the main point of the things we are saying: We have such a High Priest, who is seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens,” - If Jesus is the Greatest High Priest, then He must be better than Aaron. - Hebrews 5:1-10 - Beginning in Hebrews 7, the writer presents Jesus as better than Aaron by showing that He is from the order of Melchizedek. - Many theologians have speculated about who Melchizedek was. (Genesis 14, Psalm 110, Hebrews 7) I. The Person - Some say he is an angel. - There are two difficulties with this: Hebrews 5:1 says that High Priests were “taken from among men.” - Hebrews 1:4-14 states the case that Jesus is greater than the angels…then why would Jesus be a priest like Melchizedek if he was an angel? - Others say he is Shem, the son of Noah. - This does not hold consistent with Hebrews 7:3 that states he has no known genealogy. - The third view, and more popular, is that he is Jesus preincarnate. - One reason some theologians believe this is because there is so little information given about him. - But Genesis 14 presents Melchizedek as a man holding a political position as King of Salem. - Old Testament Christophanies/Theophanies are brief. - Hebrews 7:3 says the “He is LIKE the Son of God”, not “IS the Son of God.” - Hebrews 6:20 uses the phrase “according to.” - These are terms of comparison and analogy which brings us to a fourth explanation. - Melchizedek is a type of Jesus Christ. - Typology = a humble picture that gives us illustration of a future truth. - Genesis 14 gives us a 3 verse description of Melchizedek. - 1,000 years later God promises in Psalm 110:4 to send His Son after the order of Melchizedek. - 1,000 years after that in Hebrews 7, that promise is fulfilled. - As a type of Christ, we are given a few details about him. (Genesis 14:17-20) - He was the King of Salem, Jerusalem. - He was a Priest of the Most High God. - He met Abraham returning from defeating and killing King Chedorlaomer and his 3 partnering kings. - So that is the person of Melchizedek. - What is special about his priesthood? II. The Priesthood - How is Melchizedek’s priesthood any better than Aaron’s priesthood? - Importance: If Melchizedek’s priesthood were proven to be greater, that would make Jesus a greater High Priest than Aaron. - And if Jesus is a greater High Priest than Aaron, then they would need to turn to Jesus. - That would also make the New Covenant through Jesus better than the Old. - Aaron’s priesthood was national (Judaistic) whereas Melchizedek’s priesthood was universal (not limited to a nation). - Praise God Jesus’ priesthood is not limited to ONE nation! - Aaron’s priesthood was subject to kings whereas Melchizedek was a king. - His was a royal priesthood! - Jesus is of a royal priesthood, being both Priest and King! - He not only takes men to God but He also rules men for God! - Zechariah 6:13 – “Yes, He shall build the temple of the Lord. He shall bear the glory, And shall sit and rule on His throne; So He shall be a priest on His throne, And the counsel of peace shall be between them both.”” - 1 Peter 2:9 – “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light;” - Another contrast is that Aaron’s priesthood offered no permanent righteousness. - The Levite priests had to continually offer sacrifices. - Melchizedek’s priesthood was a priesthood of righteousness. - Mekel = King, Zedek = Righteousness, Salem = Peace (Hebrews 7:2) - Jesus gave us His righteousness so that we would eternally be at peace with God. - Hebrews 7:26-27 - Aaron’s priesthood was hereditary, born of the tribe of Levi, descendants of Aaron. - Melchizedek’s priesthood was based off of personal qualifications. - Jesus was not from the tribe of Levi, He was from the tribe of Judah. - The last contrast I want to make is that Aaron’s priesthood had a time limit, age 25 to 50. - Melchizedek’s was timeless. “remains a priest continually.” - Jesus is our priest forever! - Hebrew 7:4-10 give us the proof that Melchizedek was a superior priest to Aaron. III. The Proof - 1. Abraham gave tithe to him. - Vs.4 – “spoils” – ‘the heap on top’ - This was the best Abraham had. - Abraham chose to show great respect through the giving of a tithe even before the law. - 2. Melchizedek blessed Abraham (vs.6-7) - This shows that Melchizedek was elevated above Abraham as well. - 3. Melchizedek was greater than all other priests. (vs.8) - 4. He was even greater than Levi (vs.9-10) - If Melchizedek is greater than Aaron, then his priesthood is greater than Aaron’s priesthood. - If Melchizedek’s priesthood is greater and Jesus is from the order of that priesthood, then His priesthood is better. - It is a universal, royal, eternal priesthood!!! - Hebrews 4:14-16 .