Transformed By Truth: A King And Priest Forever Series

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