A Priest Like No Other

Notes
Transcript
Handout
Hebrews 7:1-10
Imagine meeting someone who holds a position of such authority and uniqueness that event he greatest figures in history honor him!
Melchizedek, a mysterious figure in the Bible, is described as a priest of the Most High God and a king, pointing us to the ultimate High Priest, Jesus Christ.
The author of Hebrews highlights Melchizedek to show us the superiority of Christ’s priesthood.
This evening, we’ll uncover why Melchizedek matters and how he points to Jesus, “A Priest Like No Other.”
Melchizedek’s greatness reveals the supremacy of Christ’s eternal priesthood, calling us to greater worship and greater reliance on Him.
I. The Identity of Melchizedek
I. The Identity of Melchizedek
1 For this Melchisedec, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings, and blessed him;
2 To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all; first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace;
3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
Who is this man that Genesis talks about so briefly, and why is the author of Hebrews bringing him up now?
Let’s start by looking at…
A. His Roles
A. His Roles
1. King of Salem
1. King of Salem
Melchizedek was a king of peace (Salem means peace).
Biblical Context:
The name “Salem” is believed to refer to Jerusalem, a city that symbolizes peace throughout the Scriptures.
Jeru - Salem
Teh dual title of king and priest is rare, as the two offices were typically separate in Israel.
But of course, Israel has not been formed yet.
Christological Connection:
Jesus, like Melchizedek, is King - King of Kings, in fact!
16 And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.
He is also the Prince of Peace
6 For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: And the government shall be upon his shoulder: And his name shall be called Wonderful, Counseller, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace.
A king’s peace is often political and temporary.
But as the King of Salem, Melchizedek prefigures Jesus, whose peace is eternal and transformative.
2. Priest of the Most High God
2. Priest of the Most High God
A Priest not of Levi but appointed by God.
What is the significance of “Most High God”?
The title emphasizes God’s universal authority over heaven and earth.
This highlights that Melchizedek served not a tribal deity but the one true God.
18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
This is contrast to the Levitical Priesthood
Levi’s priesthood was hereditary, but Melchizedek’s priesthood was by divine appointment, foreshadowing Christ’s priesthood.
Like Melchizedek, Jesus was appointed as High Priest, not by lineage but by divine decree.
5 So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee.
6 As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
As our High Priest, Jesus bridges the gap between a holy God and sinful humanity.
5 For there is one God, and one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus;
Jesus offers complete access to the throne of grace.
B. His Mystery
B. His Mystery
3 Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually.
The Bible says Melchizedek was…
1. Without Father, Without Mother
1. Without Father, Without Mother
This emphasizes no recorded genealogy, symbolizing eternal qualities.
Melchizedek’s lack of genealogy may not be literal but may serve as a symbolic parallel to Christ, whose priesthood is eternal.
16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
Jesus, though born of Mary, existed eternally as God the Son.
2 But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah, Though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, Yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; Whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting.
58 Jesus said unto them, Verily, verily, I say unto you, Before Abraham was, I am.
Genealogies often determine legitimacy, yet Melchizedek’s absence of lineage points to a greater legitimacy—divine appointment.
2. Made Like Unto the Son of God
2. Made Like Unto the Son of God
Melchizedek is a type of Christ, pointing to His eternal priesthood.
The words translated “made like unto” is from the single Greek word (af-a-moi-ǒ-ō) aphomoioo which literally means to be like, or resemble.
This leads many to believe it was not Christ, but a figure or foreshadow of Christ.
Just as a side note…there is a very strong argument for Melchizedek being a Christophany - a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ),
However, the wording here and Genesis 14 portraying him as a human figure prevents me from being dogmatic one way or the other.
While there is compelling evidence for Melchizedek being a Christophany, the more widely accepted view among Bible teachers is that he is a type of Christ.
The absence of a definitive statement in Scripture leaves the matter open to interpretation, with each perspective offering valuable insights into the greatness of Christ’s eternal priesthood.
But as a type of Christ, at least, as the King of Righteousness (Melchizedek’s name meaning) he reflects Christ’s character as our righteous Savior
6 In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.
And as the King of Peace - he pointed to the peace Christ brings through His redemptive work.
14 For he is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us;
Isn’t it wonderful, however, that we serve a Savior and God who surpasses every Old Testament type!
Trust in Christ as your perfect Priest and King!
II. The Greatness of Melchizedek
II. The Greatness of Melchizedek
4 Now consider how great this man was, unto whom even the patriarch Abraham gave the tenth of the spoils.
5 And verily they that are of the sons of Levi, who receive the office of the priesthood, have a commandment to take tithes of the people according to the law, that is, of their brethren, though they come out of the loins of Abraham:
6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
7 And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better.
Why was Melchizedek considered a great man?
A. Abraham Gave Tithes
A. Abraham Gave Tithes
Abraham the father of faith, gave tithes to Melchizedek.
18 And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God.
19 And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth:
20 And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all.
Abraham, after a great victory, acknowledges Melchizedek’s greatness by giving him a tithe of all.
This act of humility and honor demonstrates that even the patriarch of Israel recognized a superior figure here in God’s divine order.
But be careful not to put him too much above Abraham.
C. H. Spurgeon said, “When we think too much of man, we greatly diminish our thoughts of God. Abraham, the friend of God, paid tithes to Melchizedek and acknowledged that he was less than the one who represented the Most High.”
Abraham’s act signifies the acknowledgment of God’s appointed servant as greater than himself.
True faith humbles itself before God’s appointed authority.
Like Abraham, we must recognize Christ’s greatness and give him the honor He deserves.
Secondly we see…
B. Melchizedek’s Blessing
B. Melchizedek’s Blessing
6 But he whose descent is not counted from them received tithes of Abraham, and blessed him that had the promises.
Melchizedek blessed Abraham, affirming his spiritual authority.
The blessing is not just a formality but a divine act of authority and grace.
This prefigures Christ, whose blessing on His followers is eternal and transformative.
John Owen remarked, “The blessing of Melchizedek was not the result of Abraham’s merit but of divine appointment. So Christ blesses not because of our worthiness but because of His grace.”
I remember when I was ordained, a group of pastors gathered around me and laid their hands on me, and prayed God’s blessings upon me and my ministry.
It was an incredible moment in my life!
One that I will never forget!
Just as those men blessed me that day and I believe that God has honored those words of blessing, Christ’s blessings empower and transform us for His glory.
Seek after Christ’s blessings daily.
His grace strengthens us, and His approval assures us of our place in His eternal plan.
Thirdly today, I want to look at the:
C. Application for Today
C. Application for Today
1. Christ Is Greater than Any Earthly Leader
1. Christ Is Greater than Any Earthly Leader
In our world, leaders rise and fall, systems succeed and fail, but Christ’s authority and priesthood remain eternal and unshakable.
2. Worship Christ as the ultimate source of blessing and authority.
2. Worship Christ as the ultimate source of blessing and authority.
When I was around 9-10 years old we were at a sporting event…it may have been a Pistons game, I’m not sure. But I remember seeing a young child, considerably younger than me, with a scared look on his face as he held his dad’s hand as they walked through the very crowded ramps as they exited the stadium. Then I saw the father pick him up and put him on his shoulders and carried him above the crowd. I remember the change in the boys face as the father lifted him out of the chaos to be above it. Sometimes when we go through this life we feel like that little boy. We wait on the Lord as our ultimate source of help. Christ’s blessings…his grace and his leading…lift us above the struggles of life, and help us be led by Him in His strength.
A. W. Tozer wrote, “The man who has God for his treasure has all things in One.”
Worship Christ as your ultimate treasure, trusting in His sufficiency above all.
3. Give God the first and best, as Abraham did.
3. Give God the first and best, as Abraham did.
Practical ways to honor Christ today include dedicating your time, talents, and treasures to help others in service.
Like Abraham, show your recognition of Christ’s greatness by offering Him the best of what you have.
The greatness of Melchizedek’s priesthood is not simply in its historical significance but in how it foreshadows the eternal and perfect priesthood of Christ.
The Levitical priesthood, though ordained by God, was temporary and limited.
Through Melchizedek, the Holy Spirit points us to a priesthood that is eternal, effective, and infinitely superior.
This section of Hebrews invites us to reflect on the eternal nature of Christ’s priesthood and the assurance it provides for our salvation.
III. The Superiority of Melchizedek’s Priesthood
III. The Superiority of Melchizedek’s Priesthood
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
A. An Eternal Principle
A. An Eternal Principle
8 And here men that die receive tithes; but there he receiveth them, of whom it is witnessed that he liveth.
The Levitical priests die; Melchizedek represents an unending priesthood.
4 The Lord hath sworn, and will not repent, Thou art a priest for ever After the order of Melchizedek.
The Levitical priesthood was marked by human frailty and mortality.
Priests would die, necessitating successors.
In contrast, Melchizedek’s priesthood is portrayed as ongoing, a shadow of Christ’s eternal priesthood.
Christ’s priesthood, unlike the Levitical order, is founded on the power of an indestructible life (Hebrews 7:16).
16 Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life.
Just like many lighthouses whose light never goes out, no matter the storm or the passing years. While other lights fail, that ever shining beacon continues to guide and protect.
Christ’s priesthood is like that eternal light, guiding us through the storms of life and guaranteeing our safe arrival to God.
C. H. Spurgeon wrote, “He ever lives, and therefore His priesthood lasts forever. He is always there to intercede, always there to save, always there to bless.”
Christ’s eternal priesthood assures us of lasting salvation.
Unlike human priests or systems, He is always present to intercede for us (Hebrews 7:25).
25 Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them.
We can trust that our salvation is secure in Him.
Christ’s priesthood is eternal, providing lasting salvation.
The Levitical sacrifices needed constant repetition, but Christ’s priesthood guarantees a once-for-all sacrifice (Hebrews 10:12).
12 But this man, after he had offered one sacrifice for sins for ever, sat down on the right hand of God;
A few years ago, a church congregation in Atlanta, Georgia, surprised their pastor with an incredible act of generosity. The pastor had been faithfully serving the church for decades, and unbeknownst to him, the members had secretly raised money to pay off his mortgage. At a Sunday service, they presented him with the deed to his home, debt-free.
Just as the pastor was overwhelmed with gratitude for a debt he couldn’t pay being forgiven, we should be even more grateful for Christ’s sacrifice. He paid the eternal debt of sin, freeing us completely.
Rest in the sufficiency of Christ’s work.
There is no need to add to His sacrifice or rely on human systems.
His priesthood ensures that the work of redemption is finished.
B. Levi in Abraham’s Loins
B. Levi in Abraham’s Loins
9 And as I may so say, Levi also, who receiveth tithes, payed tithes in Abraham.
10 For he was yet in the loins of his father, when Melchisedec met him.
The author’s argument: Levi, through Abraham, paid tithes to Melchizedek.
This argument highlights Melchizedek’s superiority to the Levitical priests.
Since Levi, the father of the Levitical priesthood, was still "in the loins" of Abraham when Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek, it demonstrates the inferiority of the Levitical priesthood.
Melchizedek, representing Christ, was greater than Abraham, and by extension, greater than Levi and the priesthood he represented.
This further points to the sufficiency and supremacy of Christ’s eternal priesthood.
Matthew Henry observed, “The Levitical priesthood was an honor, but it was temporary. Melchizedek’s priesthood, like Christ’s, transcends time and reaches into eternity.”
We should acknowledge Christ’s superiority over all human systems of religion.
Just as Melchizedek was superior to Levi, so Christ is greater than any earthly institution or leader.
C. Application for Today
C. Application for Today
1. Recognize Christ’s eternal priesthood as superior to all human institutions.
1. Recognize Christ’s eternal priesthood as superior to all human institutions.
We often place our hope in human leaders, traditions, or systems.
This passage calls us to place our trust solely in Christ, whose priesthood is eternal and unchanging.
2. Trust in Jesus’ finished work, knowing it surpasses the old covenant.
2. Trust in Jesus’ finished work, knowing it surpasses the old covenant.
The old covenant provided temporary atonement, but Christ’s priesthood brings complete and eternal reconciliation with God.
Reflect on areas where you may still rely on human efforts or traditions for your spiritual security.
Release those to Christ and rest in His eternal priesthood.
Worship Him for His sufficiency, and live in the freedom His eternal work provides.
Conclusion
Conclusion
As we’ve walked through Hebrews 7:1–10, we’ve seen the profound greatness of Melchizedek and how he points to the supremacy of Christ’s eternal priesthood.
Melchizedek, though mysterious and brief in the biblical record, serves as a powerful type of Christ, reflecting the qualities of righteousness, peace, and divine appointment.
But as great as Melchizedek was, Jesus surpasses him infinitely.
We learned of TheIdentity of Melchizedek
As King of Righteousness and King of Peace, he foreshadows Jesus, the ultimate King and Priest.
His mysterious priesthood points us to the eternal nature of Christ’s priesthood.
The Greatness of Melchizedek
Even Abraham, the father of faith, recognized Melchizedek’s superiority by giving him tithes.
Melchizedek’s blessing demonstrates a divine authority that prefigures the greater blessings we receive in Christ.
The Superiority of Melchizedek’s Priesthood
Unlike the Levitical priests, whose ministry was temporary and limited, Christ’s priesthood is eternal and unchanging.
His priesthood assures us of salvation and continual intercession before the Father
As we consider Christ’s eternal priesthood, think back to the story of the Atlanta pastor whose mortgage was paid off.
Imagine the freedom and gratitude he felt as the weight of his debt was lifted.
Now, magnify that feeling infinitely: Christ paid the eternal debt of sin for each of us, offering a freedom that no earthly act can match.
This week, I want to call all of us to…
Worship Christ:
As the King of Righteousness and Peace, He deserves our highest praise and devotion.
Don’t let the busyness of life distract you from adoring the One who intercedes for you eternally.
Trust in Christ’s Priesthood:
Stop relying on your own efforts or human systems for spiritual security.
Rest in the sufficiency of His finished work, knowing that He lives to make intercession for you.
Give Him Your Best:
Just as Abraham honored Melchizedek with tithes, honor Christ with your time, talents, and treasures.
Show your gratitude by offering Him your first and best.
C. H. Spurgeon once said, “We have a great High Priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God. Hold fast to Him, for He holds fast to you.”
Let the greatness of Christ’s priesthood inspire you to live a life of faith, hope, and worship.