Types & Shadows

Introduction

Shapes Video

You see a shape and you think you know what it means, if you just look at the surface.

But, if you look at events and people throughout the OT from different angles, you might find a familiar shape that it fits in.

What we call “typology.”

Romans 5:14 ESV

14 Yet death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over those whose sinning was not like the transgression of Adam, who was a type of the one who was to come.

An impression left by applying pressure to something, like a wax seal.

The OT is filled with these places where Jesus pressed into History in such a way that it left a hint of what was to come.

The author of Hebrews expands upon one such Old Testament figure to help us understand the superiority of Jesus.

That’s the theme of the book…and he uses every possible tool to magnify Jesus.

Jesus Is Greater

vv. 1-10

Melchizedek. Genesis 14. Battle of the nine kings. Lot is taken, Abraham takes his commando force out and reclaims them with a victory.

Melchizedek is one of these instances of an Old Testament person who serves as a living prophecy of Jesus.

He is a historical figure, despite the common teaching that this is an Old Testament appearance of Jesus.

Name. King of Salem.

Melchizedek = King of Righteousness

King of Salem = King of Peace

Returns and is greeted by Melchizedek.

Relationship indicated by the tithe and the blessing. Tithe goes up. Blessing goes down.

Melchizedek is greater than Abraham.

Shocking to the Hebrew audience. Father Abraham!

They had placed their faith in the fact that they were descendants of Abraham.

People put faith in all kinds of things.

Citizenship. Family history. Religious works.

None of those things are able to save.

Jesus alone saves.

Jesus Is Bigger

vv. 11-17

Perfection was lost when we sinned.

Religions are man’s attempt to get back to perfection.

What Judaism turned into, checking enough boxes so that God was required to accept you.

You can’t be good enough.

The weight of sin is too great!

Something bigger was needed to not just outweigh our sin, but to remove it completely.

This is why God sent Jesus, to establish the new covenant.

Covenant not based upon works, but upon something different.

Remember, Melchizedek was not a Jew! He was something “other.”

Jesus has a completely different nature, He is “other.”

And this “otherness” empowers Jesus to be the sacrifice we need.

How He can be described as indestructible (v. 16).

John 10:17–18 ESV

17 For this reason the Father loves me, because I lay down my life that I may take it up again. 18 No one takes it from me, but I lay it down of my own accord. I have authority to lay it down, and I have authority to take it up again. This charge I have received from my Father.”

Jesus Is Effective

vv. 18-28

“A better hope is introduced” (v. 18).

It is because there is now a hope that can be fulfilled.

Christian hope is not wishful thinking.

It is fulfilled, as v. 18 says, only in a relationship with God.

“…through which we draw near to God” (v. 18).

Jesus is effective to bring about a better covenant.

He is effective to cause salvation!

But, this came at a price.

He gave Himself, offered up himself (v. 27).

You get what you pay for...

In terms of Christ, who offered up as payment His perfect life, it is value beyond comprehension.

So many people run around looking for something effective, effective to bring them peace or joy or purpose.

Meanwhile, the truth is that

Jesus has already done everything.

Conclusion

Why are there religions in every culture?

People were created with a spiritual void.

People are committed to throwing stuff into their spiritual void.

Looking for the right shape to finally fit.

That void is in the shape of the cross.

The same shape that pressed itself all through the Old Testament is the same shape that promises life.

The Cross meets our greatest need.

Jesus brings forgiveness and life.