A Greater Priesthood

CONSIDER THIS

Melchizedek. Anybody interested in who this guy is? He’s actually quite a mysterious fellow, mentioned only a few times in the Bible.

Our story begins in the book of Genesis when Abraham is returning home, victorious from a battle against an alliance of kings, passing by the city of Salem when out comes the king. He is simply introduced as if we know who he is and what he does: “And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High brought Abram bread and wine and blessed him — and Abram gave him a tenth of the plunder.”

It’s the first time a priest was ever mentioned in the Bible, yet the priesthood didn’t exist until later. He brings out bread and wine as if he is celebrating Passover — before the Exodus has even taken place. This encounter establishes the royal priesthood in a city that later would become Jerusalem. Are you getting a snapshot of what’s going on here? A foreshadowing of something that is coming?

Like the writer of a good detective story, the writer to the Hebrews draws out this character from the Old Testament that many might think insignificant and he brings him into real prominence. It’s as if Melchizedek comes out of nowhere and points us to Jesus in a number of ways.

Ultimately, there is One who is greater than the Old Testament priesthood. Jesus came to give Himself as the perfect once-and-for-all sacrifice. No more religion, sacrifices, or priests are needed — only Jesus! 

The Perfect has replaced the imperfect.
The Reality has replaced the image.
The Eternal has replaced the temporary.

The Jewish priesthood was incapable of offering the salvation which only the eternal priesthood of Jesus can provide. Jesus is our greater High Priest! 

Tired of religion? Turn to Jesus and discover a relationship that gives hope and life.