Christ’s superior priesthood
Melchizedek suddenly appears in the Genesis narrative. Scriptural accounts provide no details about Melchizedek’s origins. The inspired writer uses those facts to say he held a priesthood without lineage. Unlike the Levitical priests, who descended from Aaron, Christ emerged from the tribe of Judah, establishing a different priesthood that is eternal (Hebrews 7:1-3).
Abraham’s tithing to Melchizedek was a voluntary act of honor. These tithes are distinguished from the commanded, thus obligatory, tithes given to the Levitical priests, who were the brethren of the other Israelites. Melchizedek blessed Abraham. Any blessing given is a sign that the blesser holds a higher status than the one being blessed (Genesis 12:3; Hebrews 7:4-7). The lack of records of Melchizedek’s death further implies an uninterrupted priesthood, unlike the Aaronic line, which was hereditary (1 Chronicles 6:49-53).
The author suggests that if the Levitical priesthood was sufficient for salvation, there would be no need for a new priesthood in the order of Melchizedek. The priesthood’s change indicates a the establishment of a new law (Galatians 3:21-24). The Mosaic law relied heavily on the Levitical system for sacrifices and rituals. Christ’s death brought about the fulfillment of the law and rendered it obsolete (Colossians 2:10-17; Hebrews 7:11-12).
Under Moses’ law, only Aaron’s descendants could serve as priests (Numbers 16-28:7). Psalm 110:4 foretold a shift, with Jesus, a member of the tribe of Judah, stepping into the priestly role. This highlights the change from the Aaronic priesthood to the new priesthood of Christ. Christ’s priesthood stems not from a human lineage but from the eternal power of God, establishing Him as a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:13-17).
The Mosaic law needed to be set aside for a new covenant to be enacted. Such was the case because it could not achieve perfection. The new law, brought through Christ, allows believers to draw closer to God by means of his sacrificial death. God’s oath regarding Christ’s priesthood emphasizes its eternal nature (Hebrews 7:18-20).
The Aaronic priests served without a divine oath. Jesus was appointed as a priest forever by God’s decree. A testament refers to a will, while a covenant implies mutual agreement. In this context, Jesus is the guarantee of the new covenant, secured by his perfect sacrifice (Hebrews 7:21-22).
Christ’s priesthood contrasts sharply with that of the high priests under the law. Those priests were limited in service by their mortality. All of the Aaronic high priests died. Jesus only became a priest at the point of his death and lives on forever, making his priesthood everlasting. This means there is only one High Priest today, continually ready to assist those who seek God through him. He intercedes on behalf of humanity, fully capable of offering eternal salvation (1 John 2:1).
High priests of the old covenant had to make daily sacrifices for their own sins and those of the people. In contrast, Christ offered himself as the ultimate sacrifice once for all. This clearly demonstrates his unique position as the perfect Son of God, free from human weakness (Hebrews 7:27-28). Jesus now is enthroned in heaven, reigning with all authority. He is the embodiment of the ideal High Priest that humanity requires.
Thank God for our perfect High Priest who stands ever ready to aid his brethren!
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