Transformed by Truth: A King and Priest Forever
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.”
Introduction: The Mysterious Melchizedek
Our journey today takes us into one of the most intriguing and powerful portraits of Jesus in the Old Testament—a character who is both a king and a priest, someone who blesses Abraham and points forward to Jesus Christ. His name is Melchizedek, and he appears only briefly in Genesis but plays a critical role in the story of faith.
In Melchizedek, we see a symbol of Jesus Christ, who is our ultimate King and eternal High Priest. Today, we’ll explore the mysterious significance of Melchizedek’s encounter with Abraham and the powerful ways it reveals Christ’s role in our lives.
1. Melchizedek as a Symbol of Jesus’ Eternal Priesthood (Genesis 14:18-20)
In Genesis 14:18-20, we find Abram—later called Abraham—returning victorious from battle when Melchizedek, king of Salem, appears to him. Genesis 14:18-20 (NLT) says, “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.”
The name “Melchizedek” in Hebrew means “king of righteousness,” and Salem, which later becomes Jerusalem, means “peace.” Together, he is “the king of righteousness and peace”—a prophetic picture of Christ, who is our ultimate righteousness and peace.
Picture a friend who brings peace and hope during a difficult time. In times of trial, God sends us peace in Christ, who intercedes on our behalf.
In the same way, Jesus is our King who brings peace through His righteousness. Just as Abram received the blessing and gave a tithe, we are called to worship Jesus as both our King and our Priest, worthy of all we have and all we are.
“Christ’s priesthood is unique because, unlike any other, He both sacrifices and is the sacrifice.” – Alistair Begg
2. The Eternal Nature of Jesus’ Priesthood (Psalm 110:4)
Psalm 110:4 (NLT) says, “The Lord has taken an oath and will not break his vow: ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.’” This verse connects Melchizedek to a future priest, one who will serve forever. This priest is none other than Jesus Christ, who became our eternal High Priest.
The Hebrew word for “forever” (olam) refers to an unending, eternal state. Unlike earthly priests who were mortal and required constant replacement, Jesus’ priesthood is eternal. He doesn’t need a successor because His sacrifice was final and complete.
In times of trouble, we can rest assured that Jesus is our eternal High Priest, forever interceding for us. When we feel abandoned or isolated, we must remember that we have an advocate who never grows weary, who is always available.
Think of a lighthouse in a storm. No matter how turbulent the waves, the lighthouse remains steady, guiding ships safely. Jesus’ priesthood is our eternal lighthouse, guiding us back to God, our safe harbour.
“Jesus is able to save completely those who come to God through Him because He always lives to intercede for them.” – Billy Graham
3. Jesus’ Priesthood Transcends Human Limitations (Hebrews 7:17)
Hebrews 7:17 (NLT) affirms, “And the psalmist pointed this out when he said, ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.’” The writer of Hebrews explains that Jesus’ priesthood, like Melchizedek’s, is not based on genealogy or the law, but rather on the power of an indestructible life.
Unlike the Levitical priests, who were constrained by human weakness and mortality, Jesus’ priesthood is based on His resurrection and eternal nature. He is the “order of Melchizedek” because His role as our High Priest is uniquely eternal and unchanging.
The Greek word akatalutos, translated here as “indestructible,” underscores the unbreakable, eternal power of Jesus’ priesthood. His sacrifice is sufficient for all time.
Knowing that our High Priest is indestructible gives us assurance in our salvation. No trial, failure, or sin can separate us from His love because His priesthood is eternal and unchanging.
Think of a building with a solid foundation that withstands every storm. The foundation of our salvation is Jesus’ unchanging priesthood. In Him, we have an unbreakable, eternal security.
Quote: “Jesus doesn’t simply make salvation possible; He makes it actual by His intercession on our behalf.” – John Piper
4. The Priestly Blessing and Our Response of Worship
Melchizedek blessed Abram, and Abram responded by giving Melchizedek a tithe, an act of gratitude and honour. This tithe represents Abram’s recognition of God’s victory and provision in his life. In the same way, our response to Jesus’ priesthood should be one of worship and devotion.
Psalm 103:1 (NLT) encourages us, “Let all that I am praise the Lord; with my whole heart, I will praise his holy name.” Our worship is not just a tithe of our resources but of our whole lives. Jesus deserves all of us—our thoughts, our actions, our devotion.
Every aspect of our lives should reflect gratitude for Jesus, who intercedes for us. Each day, let’s set aside time for worship and prayer, honouring our eternal King and Priest who blesses us with His love and grace.
Imagine receiving a priceless gift from a friend, knowing it cost them everything. Our natural response would be overwhelming gratitude. Jesus gave us His very life, and our response should be a life of worship and devotion.
“When we look to Jesus, the eternal High Priest, our response can only be one of humble adoration.” – Charles Spurgeon
Conclusion: Worshipping Our King and Priest
The story of Melchizedek in Genesis points us to Jesus, our King of righteousness and peace, who reigns forever. He is the only One who can stand in the gap between a holy God and humanity, offering His life as a sacrifice. Because Jesus is both our King and High Priest, we can rest in His love and have confidence in His eternal power.
Call to Action: Today, let us commit ourselves to this King who blesses us and intercedes for us. Let’s live lives of worship and gratitude, offering not only a portion of what we have but everything we are.
If you have never placed your faith in Jesus Christ, today is the day to do so. Jesus is your eternal High Priest who stands before God on your behalf. Trust in Him, and let Him lead you in righteousness and peace.
