Study in the Book of Hebrews: Hebrews 7:11-28
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This part of the chapter is the pinnacle point of the discussion of Jesus Christ as a superior High Priest. He provided an introduction to the concept in chapter 5. Then, he outlined how the priesthood of Melchizedek is superior to the Levitical priests. Now, he is going to slam home the idea that Jesus is superior because he is our Melchizedekian priest.
Basically, he makes three different cases. First, with Jesus as our high priest, the regulations for worship have changed. A better way of worship has come. Second, the priesthood of Christ was confirmed with an oath from God. Jesus is the guarantee of a better covenant. Third, Jesus is eternal and hold the office forever. He perpetually offers help to those who trust in him.
1. The way of worship has changed. ()
1. The way of worship has changed. ()
A. The priesthood of the Levites was flawed which necessitates a priesthood of another type. ()
A. The priesthood of the Levites was flawed which necessitates a priesthood of another type. ()
11 Now if perfection came through the Levitical priesthood (for on the basis of it the people received the law), what further need was there for another priest to appear, said to be according to the order of Melchizedek and not according to the order of Aaron?
The author uses a rhetorical question which assumes the flaws of the old order of priesthood. If the old way was perfect, if it could reach the desired outcome, then why was there a need for a new type of priesthood. If the old covenant could establish a relationship between God and his people, then why would there be further need as indicated by the prophets of old. The Levitical priesthood was never intended to be the end game. It was a transitory office to point out the need for something (someone) better.
B. A change in the type of priest means a change in the way of worship. ()
B. A change in the type of priest means a change in the way of worship. ()
12 For when there is a change of the priesthood, there must be a change of law as well. 13 For the one these things are spoken about belonged to a different tribe. No one from it has served at the altar. 14 Now it is evident that our Lord came from Judah, and Moses said nothing about that tribe concerning priests.
15 And this becomes clearer if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 who did not become a priest based on a legal regulation about physical descent but based on the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it has been testified:
You are a priest forever
according to the order of Melchizedek.
A change to a priesthood after the order of Melchizedek means a change to the way people approach the throne of grace.
C. The old way was ineffective and so a new way was provided. ()
C. The old way was ineffective and so a new way was provided. ()
18 So the previous command is annulled because it was weak and unprofitable 19 (for the law perfected nothing), but a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
Weak and unprofitable indicate ineffectiveness. The old covenant and the old priesthood could not and did not bring about God’s ultimate goal of a reconciliation with his people. We needed something that was effective.
Now, this begs the question that I don’t necessarily have an answer. God knows everything. He knew the old covenant could not and would not bring about the ultimate goal of reconciliation with his people. So, why provide that way?
2. The divine oath ()
2. The divine oath ()
A. The new priesthood after the order of Melchizedek was affirmed by an oath. ()
A. The new priesthood after the order of Melchizedek was affirmed by an oath. ()
20 None of this happened without an oath. For others became priests without an oath, 21 but he became a priest with an oath made by the one who said to him:
The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind,
“You are a priest forever.”
22 Because of this oath, Jesus has also become the guarantee of a better covenant.
<answer questions about Melchizedek>
The Levitical priesthood became priests without taking an oath of office. The were priests because they were born into the Levitical line. You job was set because of your genealogical line. Jesus became priest by the oath of God and this makes his priesthood secure and unchangeable. Jesus will always and forever be our priest. There will be no additional change. Jesus is the guarantee of a better covenant. This better covenant will bring God into relationship with his people.
B. Our hope, in Christ Jesus, is in the most securest of terms. ()
B. Our hope, in Christ Jesus, is in the most securest of terms. ()
22 Because of this oath, Jesus has also become the guarantee of a better covenant.
There is literally no risk.
There is literally no risk.
3. The priesthood of Jesus is permanent. ()
3. The priesthood of Jesus is permanent. ()
A. The Levitical priesthood was temporary. ()
A. The Levitical priesthood was temporary. ()
23 Now many have become Levitical priests, since they are prevented by death from remaining in office.
The Levites were mortals. Their tenure was limited by death. This is one of the inferiorities of the old covenant. This weakness does not apply to the eternal Christ.
The Levites were mortals. Their tenure was limited by death. This is one of the inferiorities of the old covenant. This weakness does not apply to the eternal Christ.
B. Jesus holds his priesthood forever. ()
B. Jesus holds his priesthood forever. ()
24 But because he remains forever, he holds his priesthood permanently.
The author uses a word here that is only used here in the New Testament.
The author uses a word here that is only used here in the New Testament.
ἀπαράβατος (aparabatos) - permanent, inviolable, can never be changed or altered
ἀπαράβατος (aparabatos) - permanent, inviolable, can never be changed or altered
The word was used to talk about the sun’s course through the sky. Jesus’ priesthood is unchangeable. He hold office forever.
ἀπαράβατος (aparabatos)
C. Due to the nature of his priesthood, he is able to completely save all who come to God through him. ()
C. Due to the nature of his priesthood, he is able to completely save all who come to God through him. ()
25 Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them.
There are no limitations on the service that Jesus provides to those who trust in him. He offers complete salvation, not temporary deliverance from sin. He makes constant intercession for those who trust in him.
31 What then are we to say about these things? If God is for us, who is against us? 32 He did not even spare his own Son but offered him up for us all. How will he not also with him grant us everything? 33 Who can bring an accusation against God’s elect? God is the one who justifies. 34 Who is the one who condemns? Christ Jesus is the one who died, but even more, has been raised; he also is at the right hand of God and intercedes for us.
4. Summation ()
4. Summation ()
A. The superiority of Jesus’ character and status ()
A. The superiority of Jesus’ character and status ()
26 For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 He doesn’t need to offer sacrifices every day, as high priests do—first for their own sins, then for those of the people. He did this once for all time when he offered himself.
26 For this is the kind of high priest we need: holy, innocent, undefiled, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
All of this emphasizes the differences between the sinfulness of earthly priests and Jesus. They had to continually offer sacrifices, but Jesus offered a sacrifice once for all.
All of this emphasizes the differences between the sinfulness of earthly priests and Jesus.
B. Jesus was appointed by an oath of God in contrast to the law appointing the priests. ()
B. Jesus was appointed by an oath of God in contrast to the law appointing the priests. ()
28 For the law appoints as high priests men who are weak, but the promise of the oath, which came after the law, appoints a Son, who has been perfected forever.
This would have provided the context for a major paradigm shift in Jewish though. Today, we are not really tempted to look back at the Levitical system of priesthood with fondness and nostalgia; however, it is quite possible that the Jewish believers were tempted in this way. One of the reminders from this passage is to guard against resisting new ways in favor of continuing old ineffective ways.