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.
The superiority of Christ’s ministry over Melchizedek’s, and indeed over the entire Levitical priesthood, is emphasised in Hebrews 7:24-25 (NLT):
“But because Jesus lives forever, his priesthood lasts forever. Therefore, he is able, once and forever, to save those who come to God through him. He lives forever to intercede with God on their behalf.”
This passage highlights three essential truths that reinforce Sproul’s assertion:
Jesus’ priesthood is eternal. Unlike Melchizedek, whose earthly life ended, and unlike the Levitical priests who died and needed successors, Christ’s priesthood is unchanging and everlasting.
Jesus’ ministry is intercessory. He doesn’t just symbolically point to God—He personally intercedes for us before the Father. His mediation is active and ongoing.
Jesus’ sacrifice is complete. While Melchizedek received offerings and the Levitical priests made repeated sacrifices, Jesus offered Himself once for all time (Hebrews 9:12). His sacrifice is not only superior but also final.
Melchizedek was a type—a prophetic picture of Christ—but Jesus is the fulfilment. His ministry is superior in power, in permanence, and in purpose. If Melchizedek’s priesthood was remarkable, Christ’s is glorious beyond measure. This truth should lead us to worship Jesus with greater awe, trust Him more deeply, and rest fully in His finished work on the cross.
As Charles Spurgeon declared, “We see in Melchizedek a dim shadow of our Lord Jesus Christ; but in Christ, we see the substance, the reality, the fulfilment of all righteousness.”
3. Go! And Trust in Jesus, Our Eternal High Priest
Hebrews 7:3 (NLT): "There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God."
The writer of Hebrews uses Melchizedek as a type of Christ, drawing attention to the lack of recorded genealogy as a symbol of eternal priesthood.
The phrase "no record of his father or mother" does not mean Melchizedek was divine but that his priesthood was not based on human ancestry, unlike the Levitical priests.
"Resembling the Son of God"—Melchizedek was a shadow, but Jesus is the substance (Colossians 2:17).
Jesus’ priesthood is superior, eternal, and sufficient for our salvation. No longer do we need human mediators—Jesus has opened the way to God through His sacrifice (Hebrews 10:19-22). Are we living in the reality of Christ’s priesthood, trusting Him alone for salvation?
Charles Spurgeon declared, "Christ’s priesthood is without predecessor and without successor. He is the only Mediator between God and man."
Charles Spurgeon's statement is a powerful declaration of the uniqueness and supremacy of Christ’s priesthood. When he says, “Christ’s priesthood is without predecessor and without successor,” he is emphasising that Jesus' role as High Priest was not inherited from any earthly lineage, nor will it ever be passed on to another. Unlike the Levitical priests who were born into their roles and succeeded by others, Jesus' priesthood is eternal—rooted in the divine decree of God, as confirmed in 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.’”
The word “forever” (??????, olam) in Hebrew signifies eternity, unending duration—meaning that Christ’s priesthood does not have an expiry date. His priesthood is not dependent on human genealogy (as the Levites were), and it is not subject to human frailty (as earthly priests died and had to be replaced).
Spurgeon also declares, “He is the only Mediator between God and man.” This echoes the truth of 1 Timothy 2:5 (NLT):
"For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus."
The Greek word for mediator here is µes?t?? (mesites), meaning one who intervenes between two parties to restore peace and relationship. In the Old Testament, priests served as mediators by offering sacrifices on behalf of the people. But those sacrifices were temporary, pointing to the ultimate once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus, as stated in Hebrews 10:12 (NLT):
"But our High Priest offered himself to God as a single sacrifice for sins, good for all time. Then he sat down in the place of honour at God’s right hand."
Unlike the priests of old, Jesus does not need to make repeated sacrifices. His sacrifice on the cross was sufficient, final, and eternally effective.
Application for Us Today
We do not need another mediator. No pastor, priest, or religious leader can replace Jesus as our High Priest. We must come directly to Him.
We must trust in His completed work. Are we still trying to “earn” God’s favour through rituals, or are we resting in Christ’s perfect atonement?
We should boldly approach God. Because Jesus is our eternal High Priest, we can confidently enter God’s presence, as Hebrews 4:16 (NLT) assures us:
"So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most."
Spurgeon’s statement is a glorious affirmation of Christ’s absolute sufficiency. There was no priest before Him like Him, and there will never be another after Him—Jesus alone is our eternal High Priest, our perfect Mediator, and our Saviour. Hallelujah!
Conclusion: Go! And Recognise Christ as Lord and Saviour
Melchizedek’s sudden appearance in Genesis was not random—it was a divine foreshadowing of Jesus. Just as Melchizedek was both a king and a priest, so Jesus is the ultimate Priest-King. Through Him, we find peace, righteousness, and eternal salvation.
Call to Action:
Recognise Jesus as your High Priest. He alone mediates between you and God.
Surrender to His kingship. Submit your life fully to Christ.
Come to Him for salvation. If you have not yet placed your faith in Jesus, today is the day to do so!
Invitation to Faith:
If you desire to receive Jesus Christ as Lord and Saviour, pray:
Lord Jesus, I recognise that You are the eternal High Priest and my only hope for salvation. I confess my sins and surrender to You. Be my Saviour and King. Amen.
May we all recognise and worship Jesus, our eternal High Priest and King!
