The Order of Melchizedek

In the Order of Melchizedek: The Great High Priest

Bible Passage: Heb 5:1–10, Heb 7:1–14, Heb 7:11–28

Summary: This passage discusses the unique priesthood of Jesus Christ, likening Him to Melchizedek, a priest of God who stands apart from the Levitical order, emphasizing the superiority of Christ's eternal priesthood.

Application: This sermon demonstrates how believers can find confidence in Jesus as our great High Priest, who intercedes for us and understands our weaknesses, encouraging us to draw nearer to God in faith amidst our struggles.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that the priesthood of Jesus, in the order of Melchizedek, provides a perfect and eternal means for believers to connect with God, showcasing Jesus' unique authority and role in our salvation and ongoing spiritual life.

How this passage could point to Christ: In exploring this theme, we see that Melchizedek serves as a foreshadowing of Christ's eternal priesthood, emphasizing the fulfillment of Old Testament types in the New Testament with Jesus embodying the ultimate mediator between God and man.

Big Idea: Jesus Christ, in the order of Melchizedek, is our eternal High Priest, guaranteeing our salvation and enabling us to approach the throne of grace with confidence.

Recommended Study: As you prepare this sermon using your Logos library, consider studying the historical context and significance of Melchizedek in Genesis to better understand his typology. Look into the Hebrew words used to describe priesthood in Hebrews 5 and 7 and explore any possible text-critical issues or translations that could deepen your insights into how the writer's audience would interpret these teachings.

Melchizedek’s sacrifice was extraordinary in that it involved no animals. He offered bread and wine, as Jesus would at the Last Supper, when He instituted the Eucharist. Melchizedek’s sacrifice ended with a blessing upon Abraham.

Scott Hahn (Catholic Theologian and Apologist)

It is unnecessary for Melchizedek and Jesus to share in all traits; thus the ancient interpretation that Melchizedek was the preincarnate Christ is not required. Melchizedek is a copy of the heavenly priesthood of Jesus, “like [aphōmoiōmenos] the Son of God” (Heb 7:3), not Jesus a type of Melchizedek.212

Kenneth A. Mathews

Melchizedek belonged to an order in which there was no end to the priesthood of those engaged in it.

Zane C. Hodges

1. Priest by Divine Appointment

Heb 5:1-4

You could emphasize how the High Priest chosen by God represents humans, highlighting our need for a divine mediator who empathizes with our weaknesses. In these verses, focus on the Christocentric theme by pointing to Jesus, who perfectly fulfills this role, ensuring believers of His understanding and compassion. Encourage the congregation to lean into this eternal mediation in their spiritual struggles, drawing strength and assurance from Jesus' empathetic intercession.

2. Perfection Through Suffering

Heb 5:5-10

Perhaps illustrate how Jesus' priesthood, like Melchizedek's, was characterized by spiritual authority and eternal significance, unbounded by human delineations. These verses can be used to affirm the sufficiency of Christ as our High Priest, who made the ultimate sacrifice for sins. Encourage listeners to find their identity and peace in this eternal priesthood, knowing that their salvation is secure under His effective and everlasting mediation.

3. Power in Eternal Legacy

Heb 7:1-10

Maybe draw parallels between Abraham's recognition of Melchizedek's superiority and our worship of Christ. This passage shows Melchizedek as an eternal figure, prefiguring Jesus. Use this to assert the everlasting kingdom and priesthood of Jesus, encouraging believers to trust in His never-ending rule and care. Encourage them to emulate Abraham's faith and acknowledge Christ's supremacy and blessings in their lives today.

4. Promise of a Better Hope

Heb 7:11-19

You could discuss the inadequacy of the old Levitical priesthood to perfect sinners, contrasted with the new way inaugurated by Jesus. Verses here can illustrate how Christ's priesthood brings in a better hope. Encourage the congregation to embrace this hopeful reality by actively pursuing a deeper relationship with God, assured that Jesus paved this intimate path through His priesthood.

5. Perpetual Priestly Intercession

Heb 7:20-28

Highlight how Jesus, the guarantor of our salvation, lives forever to intercede for us. These verses emphasize the superiority and permanence of Christ’s priesthood, contrasting with human limitations. Encourage believers to draw near to God confidently, assured of an eternal advocate. This assurance should resonate in their daily lives, offering not only spiritual security but also a model of servitude and eternal love through Jesus' ministry.

Melchizedek: The Bridge Between God and Humanity

Bible Passage: Heb 5:1–10, Heb 7:1–14, Heb 7:11–28

Summary: The theme centers on Melchizedek as a pivotal figure in linking the ancient priestly system to the ultimate priesthood of Christ. It examines how his unique characteristics foreshadow the ministry of Jesus, emphasizing that Christ’s intercession transcends the limitations of the Levitical priests, offering a new way for humanity to relate to God.

Application: This sermon can help Christians understand their access to God through Jesus, encouraging them to approach Him boldly in prayer and worship. It highlights the assurance of Jesus' continual intercession, reassuring believers who may feel distant from God due to sin or struggles.

Teaching: The sermon teaches that believers have a direct relationship with God through the eternal priesthood of Christ. It connects the Old Testament practices with the New Testament reality, making it clear that Jesus fulfills the role of priest and sacrifice, empowering believers to live in freedom and closeness to God.

How this passage could point to Christ: In its broader context, this theme illustrates how Jesus embodies the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan established throughout the Old Testament. Just as Melchizedek served as a significant priest-king, Jesus stands at the center of God’s salvation narrative, offering Himself as the eternal mediator between humanity and God.

Big Idea: Through Melchizedek’s priesthood, we learn that Jesus is our mediator who opens the way for an intimate relationship with God, enabling us to live confidently and purposefully in our faith.

Recommended Study: As you delve into this sermon preparation using your Logos library, consider exploring the typological significance of priests throughout the Old Testament, focusing on Melchizedek's representation in Psalm 110. Investigate the implications of the Greek terms for 'priest' in the Book of Hebrews, and examine commentaries on the nuances of the Levitical versus Melchizedekian priesthood to enhance your understanding of this complex theme.

1. Human High Priests

Heb 5:1–4

You could start by discussing the human aspect of the priesthood, highlighting how each high priest is chosen for the people, reflecting their weaknesses and limitations. This sets the stage for understanding how Jesus, though fully human, surpasses those limits because of His divine appointment and lack of sin. Linking to Melchizedek's unique priesthood, you could show how Jesus fulfills and transforms our access to God, offering us hope beyond human frailty.

2. Divine Priestly Appointment

Heb 5:5–10

Perhaps explore Jesus' divine appointment as the ultimate high priest in the order of Melchizedek, contrasting His eternal priesthood with the temporary nature of the Levitical priests. Emphasize His empathy and understanding of human suffering and weakness, reassuring believers that He intercedes for them. Invite them to rely on His strength and perfection, knowing they are covered by His everlasting mediation.

3. Mysterious Melchizedek

Heb 7:1–3

You could introduce Melchizedek’s mysterious appearance in Scripture as a prototype for Jesus' priesthood. Emphasize that Melchizedek is without genealogy, paralleling Jesus’ eternal nature. This could lead believers to understand the perpetual access we have to God through Jesus, who transcends earthly lineage and tradition, offering us a pathway to divine intimacy.

4. Superior to Abraham

Heb 7:4–10

Maybe delve into Melchizedek's superiority over Abraham, highlighting how tithes were given to him, indicating a greater priesthood. Draw a parallel to Jesus, underscoring His transcendent authority and ability to bless and lead His people. Encourage believers to respond to Jesus with trust, recognizing His supremacy and rightful place as the mediator of God's blessings.

5. Insufficiency of the Law

Heb 7:11–14

Consider analyzing the insufficiency of the Levitical priesthood, which brings into focus the necessity for a greater priest and covenant. Jesus, like Melchizedek, offers a new order of priesthood that fulfills the Law and brings grace and life. Invite believers to appreciate how Jesus brings completeness to God's promises, and to live confidently knowing they are under this new covenant.

6. Perfect and Permanent Priesthood

Heb 7:15–28

Finally, you might emphasize the permanence and perfection of Jesus' priesthood in contrast to the temporal and imperfect Levitical system. Highlight that Jesus' sacrifice was once for all, making Him the ultimate mediator. Encourage believers to approach God boldly, basking in the assurance of salvation and eternal mediation that Jesus provides, reassuring them in their daily struggles.