The Big Picture

Lisa Monroe

Hebrews • Sermon • Submitted 3 years ago

Hebrews 7

Superiority

Christ as Priest

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Review Chapter 6

After warning the readers about apostasy, the writer returns to his discussion of Melchizedek

He completes his description of the priestly ministry of Jesus

In chapter 8, his climatic discussion of the nature of the new covenant will tie together the preceding discussion about Jesus’ priesthood in chapters 5-7 and subsequent discussion about Jesus’ sacrifice in chapters 9-10 as integral components of the covenant

Both of these demonstrate its superiority to “that first covenant” (8:7)

Chapter 7 builds on what was introduced in chapters 5 and 6 to provide the doctrinal substance of this unique dimension of New Testament Christology

Priestly Order of Melchizedek Hebrews 7:1-10

Hebrews 7:1–10 (ESV)

1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 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. 3 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. 4 See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! 5 And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. 6 But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. 8 In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. 9 One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, 10 for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.

Discussion Questions

What are the 1st century readers of Hebrews struggling with?

How has the author argued for Jesus’ superiority thus far in Hebrews?

What is the significance that Melchizedek was king of righteousness and king of Salem?

What does it mean that he was without father or mother? Without genealogy?

What difference is there between Aaron’s priesthood and Melchizedek’s?

Why do you think Moses did not record more information about Melchizedek in the Old Testament?

What conclusion does the author make based on the fact that Abraham tithed to Melchizedek?

What conclusion does he reach in vs. 9-10? What does this show us about Melchizedek and Christ?

Melchizedek’s background Hebrews 7:1-3

Hebrews 7:1–3 ESV

In the beginning of chapter 7, the writer draws upon Genesis 14:18-20 to describe the uniqueness of Melchizedek as the king of Salem and a priest

He is comparing Christ’s and Melchizedek’s priesthood with that of the Levites to further show his readers Jesus’ superiority in all ways

Melchizedek plays a key role in the writer’s argument, offering scriptural grounds both for

legitimacy of viewing Jesus as messianic high priest

and the two key themes which demonstrate the superiority of his “permanent priesthood” (7:24)

Melchizedek was a real historical figure

Abraham met Melchizedek after returning from war and was blessed by him

Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth from his wealth

Abraham recognized Melchizedek as serving the same God as he

when he gave him a tenth of everything

and referring to the Lord by the title “God Most High”

Melchizedek was a “type” of Christ

A “type” of Christ is a reference to an Old Testament person, historical event, or institution/ceremony that foreshadows what Christ would do

Making reference to the King/Priest Melchizedek, reminds us that the entire Old Testament is all about Jesus

“Then Jesus said to them, “Everything written about me in the Law of Moses and the Prophets, and the Psalms must be fulfilled” (Luke 24:44)

So, in what ways was Melchizedek a type of Christ?

He was a king

King of Salem or “King of Peace”

The name Melchizedek literally means “King of Righteousness”

Jesus is a “righteous” king (Isa. 11:5) and “prince of peace” (Isa. 9:6)

He was a priest

“Priest of the Most high God”

Jesus is a priest in the order of Melchizedek (Psalm 110:1)

No Old Testament priest could be priest and King at the same time!

Why is this important?

elements of both kingship and priesthood are present in Psalm 110:1-4

Verse 14 reminds readers that Jesus descended from the tribe of Judah

Jesus is described as both priest and king within the broad scope of NT Christology

He seemed “eternal”

“He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life”

This doesn’t mean Melchizedek had no parents, it simply means that his appearance in Scripture is so brief that it makes him seem like he had no beginning or end

Melchizedek’s life is one “resembling the Son of God”

His background was written in such a way that he would bare resemblance to Christ

He appears out of nowhere for a short time and then disappears

Similar to Christ who appears on earth for a short time

Melchizedek was not a priest because of his lineage

He was a priest because God appointed him to the position

Just like Samuel, who was appointed as a priest by God, and was not a Levite

God is able to use His authority to appoint anyone He chooses to be a priest

There is no record of Melchizedek’s death signifying the end of his priesthood, making him appear similar to Christ

The author does not refer to historical facts about Melchizedek but instead to what Scripture does not record about him

This was employed to offer an interpretation which anticipates the resurrection of Jesus

Indicating that Jesus was the point of the comparison instead of Melchizedek

Thus, pointing to the ways in which Melchizedek’s priesthood foreshadowed that of Jesus only after seeing the realities of Jesus Himself

Melchizedek is greater than Abraham Hebrews 7:4-10

Hebrews 7:4–10 ESV

4 See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! 5 And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. 6 But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. 7 It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. 8 In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. 9 One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, 10 for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.

Understanding the Old Testament Priesthood helps us to understand the importance of this passage

The Levites (descended from Jacob’s son Levi) were given the task of serving in the temple and managing the sacrificial system

One of the most famous Levites was Mose’s brother Aaron

Only the descendents from Aaron were allowed to be “priests” in the temple

The writer provides reasons why Melchizedek’s priesthood was superior to the Levitical Priesthood

Abraham tithed to Melchizedek

normally Israelites were supposed to tithe to the Levites

but Abraham, the father of Israel, tithed to Melchizedek

and since Abraham represents his descendants, effectively the Levites tithed to Melchizedek

Abraham was blessed by Melchizedek

while normally Abraham would be doing the blessing, in this instance he received the blessing

“It is beyond refute that the inferior is blessed by the superior”

and if Melchizedek is greater than Abraham, then he is greater than the Levites who are descended from Abraham

Concluding point here is that Christ is in the order of Melchizedek, therefore, Christ’s Priesthood is Greater than the Old Testament Levitical Priesthood

Once again, the writer is showing that Jesus Christ is better than anything his audience might go back to

Since Jesus Christ is better than Abraham and Aaron, He is worth following

Jesus Compared to Melchizedek Hebrews 7:11-28

Hebrews 7:11–28 (ESV)

11 Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? 12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. 13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” 18 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. 20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, 21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’ ” 22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. 23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 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. 26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 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. 28 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.

Discussion Questions

What are the core aspects of the Law in Leviticus?

What are the weaknesses of the Old Testament Law?

Should believers follow the Old Testament law any more as given by the Levites? Why or why not?

What does’ Christ’s Priesthood reveal about the Levitical priesthood?

Who are the “former priests” referring to?

What is the significance that Jesus’ priesthood lasts forever?

Jesus’ Priesthood is Kingly Hebrews 7:11-14

Hebrews 7:11–14 ESV

Verses 11-14 introduces the running theme of the remainder of chapter 7 - perfection

In the Old Testament all priests must be descendants from the tribe of Levi

Consequently, there were no Old Testament priests who were also kings

When Saul tried to act like a priest he was condemned as seen in 1 Sam 13:13

1 Samuel 13:13 ESV

13 And Samuel said to Saul, “You have done foolishly. You have not kept the command of the Lord your God, with which he commanded you. For then the Lord would have established your kingdom over Israel forever.

In comparison, Jesus was descended from the tribe of Judah, the tribe of kings, yet was also appointed as our great High Priest

this fulfilled messianic prediction: “And there shall be a priest on his throne … and the crown shall be in the Temple of the Lord” (Zechariah 6:13-14)

Why do you think it matters if we have a priest who is also a King?

Up to this point we have learned that Christ’s suffering made him “perfect”

as the author of our salvation (2:10)

as both the source of our salvation and our High Priest (5:9-10)

The perfecting of believers was introduced in chapters 5 and 6 through their salvation in Christ and the ongoing process of sanctification as they grow in spiritual maturity

In verse 7:11, the use of the term “perfection” by the writer is probably referring to this perfection of believers and the inability of the Levitical priesthood to attain it since:

the purpose of the sacrificial system was to deal with the sins of the people

and the Levitical priesthood oversaw this system

therefore, it was incapable of offering the “perfecting of believers”

The writer has shown how Melchizedek is superior to Abraham and the great difference between them, he moves on to prove the wide difference between the covenant itself

one is imperfect

the other is perfect

Christ had not been after the order of Aaron (whose priesthood was imperfect)

Christ took on a different type of priesthood, “after the order of Melchizedek” (who was superior to that of Aaron)

Therefore, if another priesthood had been established, there must also be another Covenant

It is not possible to have another priest

without another covenant

without new laws

without new ordinances

and without a new tribe

Therefore, the priesthood and law by which perfection could not come are abolished, and a priest has arisen, and a dispensation is now set up, by which true believers may be made perfect.

In the remainder of this chapter, the writer progresses from the perfection of believers to the perfection of Christ and how the two are linked

Requirements of Christ’s new Priesthood Hebrews 7:15-17

Hebrews 7:15–17 (ESV)

15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

The Old Testament priests eventually died and could not intercede forever

“Former priests … were prevented by death from continuing in office” (v.23)

Thus, no one could be fully assured of access to God

But Jesus lives forever as our High Priest

Psalm 110:4 predicted we would need a new priesthood that would last forever: “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (v. 17)

Jesus’ priesthood is not about “bodily descent” like the Levitical priesthood, but about “the power of an indestructible life” (v.16)

So now, the writer summarizes why it’s important that Jesus came as a priest of a different order

Christ’s Guarantee Hebrews 7:18-22

Hebrews 7:18–22 (ESV)

18 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness 19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. 20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath, 21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’ ” 22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.

With the dawning of the Messianic High Priesthood, there is the significance and specific consequences for the believer which is our “better hope”

Previously, the writer spoke of “hope” focusing on its benefits for and demands upon the believer’s life in the present

However, here he moves to describe the qualities of hope itself

He proved that the law has weaknesses and is useless to truly restore people to God finally and permanently

The law showed the people their sin

It caused them to be humbled by evaluating themselves

It showed them the cost of sin

It showed them that they (and we) need help

But it was not perfect and incapable of bringing them back to God

Jesus came as the ultimate, perfect, once-for-all sacrifice for sinners

He did this so that we can draw near to God

When Jesus died the veil to the Holy of Holies was ripped from top to bottom

The significance of this is that we now have access to God

In verse 21, the writer shows us the finality of this covenant by returning to Psalm 110:4 to prove his point

But in verse 21 it is unique

The key phrase “You are a priest forever” remains the same as previous citations but proceeds it with the phrase “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind”

Thus, moving the focus away from Christ’s similarity to Melchizedek and toward the oath of God

Something that is unique to His priesthood even in relation to Melchizedek and focuses on the permanency of Christ’s priesthood

Superiority of Jesus’ Priesthood Hebrews 7:22-28

Hebrews 7:22–28 (ESV)

22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. 23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, 24 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. 26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens. 27 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. 28 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.

Not only does the oath demonstrate the uniqueness and superiority of Christ’s priesthood, but it also demonstrates the superiority of the “covenant” of which He is the “guarantee”

During the period the writer lived, there were two priesthoods at work within the Jewish world

on the one hand, you had the Levitical priests, who continued to operate in the tabernacle, at the time the letter was written

on the other hand, there was our Lord, the High Priest in Heaven, who we can approach

one was especially attractive to the flesh, since it involved ritual and Law

while the other was strictly a matter of faith, since it depended on nothing more than worshipping in Spirit and Truth

Considering those options, some Jewish believers were turning to the temple and to practice of the Law, even though they had placed their faith in Jesus as Messiah

they saw the Levitical priests as their intercessors, even though they knew Jesus was their Lord

and they went back to the temple to seek God’s forgiveness through those priests

They didn’t understand that Jesus is “able to save to the uttermost … since he always lives to make intercession for them” (v. 25)

The Old Testament priest was unable to take away sin

he could only make offerings himself because he is a sinner and thus must “offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people” (v.27)

Therefore, another priesthood had to arise (v.11)

Yet, Jesus is sinless and therefore can offer himself

He is described with Old Testament language as being “holy, innocent, unstained” (v.26)

Jesus can do what no Old Testament priest could ever do: “he offered up himself” (v.27)

The four parties involved in Old Testament sacrifices are united in the person of Jesus

God, Priest, Sacrifice, and People

Jesus can do this because He is both fully human and fully God and He lives forever, there is no change in the office and no successor will ever step into His role

Homework Questions

Do you feel like you read the Old Testament as if it were really about Christ? How does chapter 7 help you do that better?

How does this chapter remind you of the importance of noticing every detail in the text? How does it reassure you that the Bible is a divinely authored book?

How does Christ being both priest and King at the same time encourage you today? In what ways do we need Christ to fill each of those roles?

Do you ever struggle with doubts about whether the work of Jesus is really able to save you? How does chapter 7 provide reassurance?

How does chapter 7 show that we have to understand the Old Testament in order to understand the New Testament? How does it help you to understand the relationship between the Old Testament and the New Testament?

How does this chapter help you to rejoice not only in the death of Christ but also in the perfect, obedient life of Christ? How do both his death and life work together to save us?

How should Jesus’ character and what He has done for your change how you live every day?