Series: Jesus Is Better- The Better Priest [#6]
THE TRUE KING AND PRIEST
Hebrews 7:1-10
Introduction:
We live in a time when as long as you believe in something you are ok. It doesn’t matter what the Bible says about a subject. In fact, many people believe that the Bible is just a book full of stories.
When this letter to the Hebrews was written, there was a lot of foolishness going on. The writer had to stop writing what he needed to say in order to go over the basics of the faith. The people were not maturing in Christ. At this point in our text, the writer decides to go ahead and write to them about Jesus being our High Priest and King.
Outside of the Book of Hebrews, there are only 4 verses in the rest of the Bible that speaks of Melchizedek. Our text presents a full picture of Melchizedek. It is important to notice that Melchizedek was made like the Son of God. Jesus is the original and Melchizedek is the copy.
Hebrews 7:1-2a (NIV)
“This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything.”
Jesus is a better Priest because…
1. He is Priest and King.
Why would the writer bring Melchizedek into the picture, since he is only briefly discussed in the life of Abraham? The answer is because these Jewish Christians were familiar with their traditions. Every man that became a priest had to verify his genealogy and give proof that he was of the tribe of Levi. Some of these Jewish Christians were saying to themselves, Jesus Christ was not of the tribe of Levi; but of the tribe of Judah. How can He be a priest, much less the eternal priest? He belonged to the wrong family, so they began to cast doubts on the credentials of Jesus Christ as a priest.
The writer reminds them that there was precedence for this. This was not the first time that a non-Levite served God as high priest. Many years earlier, Abraham had gone out and conquered 4 kings and as he was bringing back the spoils of his victory, he met Melchizedek. Melchizedek was the High Priest had his genealogy was not verified. For all practical purposes, Melchizedek had not a father or mother, no beginning or no end. He is a priest forever. Melchizedek was not of the line of Levi, but he was a priest.
Melchizedek is the only non-divine character in the history of the Bible that was both king and priest. Jesus Christ is also a Priest and King. Jesus is coming again as our King and will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords.
Hebrews 7:2b (NIV)
“First, his name means "king of righteousness"; then also, "king of Salem" means "king of peace."
Jesus is a better Priest because…
2. He is King of righteousness and King of peace.
Not only was Melchizedek King of righteousness, but he also was King of peace. This truth is specific. There can be no true peace with God until there is righteousness. Man has tried to find peace through many things, but he will never find it until he finds it in the righteousness of God. This indicates that God demands righteousness and justice. As sinners we never have that righteousness apart from the work of Jesus Christ, but once we are cleansed through the blood of the Lamb, we then have access to God’s peace.
Hebrews 7:4-10 (NIV)
“Just think how great he was: Even the patriarch Abraham gave him a tenth of the plunder! Now the law requires the descendants of Levi who become priests to collect a tenth from the people--that is, their brothers--even though their brothers are descended from Abraham. This man, however, did not trace his descent from Levi, yet he collected a tenth from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. And without doubt the lesser person is blessed by the greater. In the one case, the tenth is collected by men who die; but in the other case, by him who is declared to be living. One might even say that Levi, who collects the tenth, paid the tenth through Abraham, because when Melchizedek met Abraham, Levi was still in the body of his ancestor.”
Jesus is a better Priest because…
3. He deserves our tithes and offerings.
We are to give tithes and offerings to God as worship. God doesn’t need our money. We are to give it freely.
Hebrews 7:3 (NIV)
“Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, like the Son of God he remains a priest forever.”
Jesus is a better Priest because…
4. He is King and Priest forever.
Jesus Christ will reign as King of kings and Lord of lords. He will also remain as our great High Priest forever.
Conclusion:
If you want something that will last, then you must anchor your life in Jesus Christ. Jesus Christ is our King and Priest. He demands righteousness first and then you will receive peace.
