Go! And Recognise The Eternal Priest-King Series

Go! And Recognise the Eternal Priest-King

Introduction: Who is Melchizedek?

The Bible is full of mysteries, and one of the most fascinating is the identity of Melchizedek. He appears suddenly in Genesis 14:18-20, blesses Abraham, receives a tithe from him, and then vanishes from the biblical narrative—only to reappear in Psalm 110 and later in the book of Hebrews. Who was this man? Was he a historical priest-king, a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ, or merely a symbol pointing to Jesus? Today, we will explore what Scripture teaches about Melchizedek and how his role ultimately points us to Jesus Christ, our eternal Priest-King.

1. Go! And Understand the Historical Context of Melchizedek

Genesis 14:18-20 (NLT): "And Melchizedek, the king of Salem and a priest of God Most High, brought Abram some bread and wine. Melchizedek blessed Abram with this blessing: ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Creator of heaven and earth. And blessed be God Most High, who has defeated your enemies for you.’ Then Abram gave Melchizedek a tenth of all the goods he had recovered."

Melchizedek appears after Abraham (then Abram) rescues Lot from the invading kings. He is described as the king of Salem, which many scholars identify as ancient Jerusalem. More importantly, he is a priest of God Most High (El Elyon)—this is significant because, at this point in biblical history, the Levitical priesthood did not yet exist. The fact that he worshipped the one true God is remarkable in a world filled with idolatry.

The Hebrew word for Salem (??????, Shalem) means peace, which aligns with Jesus being the “Prince of Peace” (Isaiah 9:6).

The bread and wine Melchizedek brings symbolise provision and communion, foreshadowing Jesus’ offering of His body and blood at the Last Supper (Luke 22:19-20).

Abraham giving a tithe (??????, eser), or tenth, signifies his recognition of Melchizedek’s authority.

This passage teaches us that true worship and obedience require recognising God's appointed servants. Just as Abraham honoured Melchizedek, we are called to honour Jesus as our High Priest. Have we surrendered our resources, time, and devotion to Christ as Abraham did?

John MacArthur states, "Melchizedek is an enigma in Scripture because his priesthood was unique, just like Christ’s. But unlike the imperfect Levitical priests, Jesus’ priesthood is eternal and unchanging."

John MacArthur’s statement rightly captures the mystery surrounding Melchizedek and the profound connection to Jesus Christ. The uniqueness of Melchizedek’s priesthood is significant because it stands apart from the Levitical order, which was established later through Moses. The Levitical priesthood depended on genealogy, was limited by mortality, and was marked by human imperfection. In contrast, Melchizedek’s priesthood, as described in Hebrews 7, is used as a type that points to Christ—a priesthood that is eternal, perfect, and unchanging.

MacArthur also highlights a critical theological truth: unlike the Levitical priests, who had to continually offer sacrifices for sin (Hebrews 10:11), Jesus offered Himself once for all (Hebrews 7:27). The Greek word used in Hebrews 7:24—"?pa??ßat??" (aparabatos)—translated as “unchangeable” or “permanent”, emphasises that Christ’s priesthood cannot be transferred, replaced, or ended.

This is why Jesus, our great High Priest, is the only One who can save completely (Hebrews 7:25). Unlike Melchizedek, who remains a shadowy figure in history, Jesus is the fulfilment of God’s eternal priesthood—our perfect mediator, intercessor, and King.

As believers, we must ask ourselves: Are we trusting in temporary, human efforts for righteousness, or are we resting in the eternal and unchanging priesthood of Christ? Let us hold fast to our faith, knowing that in Jesus, we have a priest and King who reigns forever!

2. Go! And See How Melchizedek Foreshadows Jesus

Psalm 110:4 (NLT): "The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow: ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.’"

Psalm 110 is a messianic prophecy pointing directly to Jesus Christ. King David, inspired by the Holy Spirit, speaks of a future priest-king who will reign forever—not in the temporary Levitical order, but in the eternal order of Melchizedek.

The phrase "a priest forever" indicates a priesthood that never ends. Jesus, unlike the Levitical priests, does not die and need a successor (Hebrews 7:23-24).

The "order of Melchizedek" suggests a different kind of priesthood—one established directly by God, not by lineage.

Jesus is not just another priest—He is the High Priest who intercedes for us eternally (Hebrews 7:25). Are we placing our trust in religious rituals, or are we coming boldly to Jesus, our eternal Priest, who can truly mediate between us and God?

R.C. Sproul writes, "Melchizedek’s priesthood points beyond itself to the final and ultimate Priest-King, Jesus Christ, whose ministry is superior in every way."

R.C. Sproul’s statement captures the profound theological truth embedded in the mysterious figure of Melchizedek. His priesthood was not an end in itself but a shadow of a greater reality—a divine foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, the true and eternal Priest-King.