Having then a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let’s hold tightly to our confession. Hebrews 4:14 WEB
Under the law of Moses practiced by faithful Jews, the high priest intercedes between man and God. In the Christian faith, we have Jesus as intercessor between us and God. Incorruptible and risen from the grave, Jesus Christ is our Great High Priest. Our Lord fulfilled the prophecy recorded in Psalm 110:4 which states, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek. WEB” We no longer need the innumerable sacrifices and intercession of earthly priests as we have Jesus who is our Great High Priest forever.
Jesus did not descend from the tribe of Levi from which priests of Israel traditionally descend. Rather, he was a descendant of the tribe of Judah. Paul offers commentary to his fellow Jews concerning the uniqueness of Jesus in fulfilling Psalm 110:4. He writes in Hebrews 7:14-17, “For it is evident that our Lord has sprung out of Judah, about which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. This is yet more abundantly evident, if after the likeness of Melchizedek there arises another priest, who has been made, not after the law of a fleshly commandment, but after the power of an endless life; for it is testified, ‘You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.’ WEB”
God Most High
Melchizedek was different from other high priests. For one, he was both king and priest. Also, he was steadfastly righteous. His name literally means King of Righteousness. Melchizedek was king of Salem in the days of Abram who God renamed Abraham. Salem is the very city that eventually became known as Jerusalem.
After Abram won a significant battle, Melchizedeck blessed him in Genesis 14:19-20 saying, “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, possessor of heaven and earth. Blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand. WEB” In response, Abram gave a tithe to the king. Melchizedek was an archetype of Christ, a prophetic prototype of the King of Kings that is our Lord and Savior and Great High Priest.
A Royal Priesthood
As the body of Christ, collectively, all who believe in Christ are a priesthood. This is true for both Jews and Gentiles who place their faith in Christ. Gentiles of faith are adopted into the family of God. As we read in 1 Peter 2:9, “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. KJV”
Paul’s profession of Jesus as the Great High Priest is part of an in depth presentation of Jesus Christ as the Messiah. To the Hebrews who know scripture, Paul thoroughly describes the validity of Jesus as the Son of God and Savior. He ends chapter four of his letter with these words from Hebrews 4:16, “therefore draw near with boldness to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and may find grace for help in time of need. WEB”
Prayer: “Father God, thank you for my salvation. Thank you for sending your Son, Jesus Christ to save sinners like me and act on our behalf as a Great High Priest. Guide me to do your will with my life. Give me the things needed to serve you effectively. In Jesus name – Amen”
Yesterday’s Devotional: I Will Pour Out My Spirit
