A Greater High Priest

BLAST

Washington, DC

Hebrews 7:11–19 ESV

Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

LET’S PRAY

“Father, thank you for your written word. Thank you for the Holy Spirit who inspired this word and because of your inspiration, it is truth. It is without error and it is trustworthy. Father, thank you for the Word that became flesh—Your Son—through whom we have salvation and the right to be called your children. Lord, I pray that your Holy Spirit would convict every believer in this room of areas in our lives that need repentance and transformation. I pray for anyone in this room that has not been born again that today, your Holy Spirit would convict them of their need for you and give the gift of saving faith.”

In the early 1800s, the composer Franz Schubert began his Symphony No. 8 but never finished it. It’s still known today as “The Unfinished Symphony.” It’s beautiful—but it leaves you wanting more. It feels incomplete. And because it is, it never fully satisfies.

That’s the feeling Hebrews is addressing. The old covenant was beautiful, meaningful, even God-ordained—but it was unfinished. Jesus doesn’t discard the melody—He completes it. He takes the theme and brings it to its intended resolution. He is the finale.

*We are still in this large section of the letter to the Hebrew Christians in which the author is comparing the ministry of the Levitical priests to the ministry of the OT Priest/King, Melchizedek, and showing us that Melchizedek’s ministry/priesthood is greater than the Levitical priesthood…he’s a “other” kind of priest…and he points to an even greater priest of the Most High God, King of Righteousness and Peace—Jesus.

So, to understand the main idea of this passage, we need to start with unpacking the word the author uses a couple of times—“perfect” // “perfection” (vs. 11 & 19).

Because, again, what he’s trying to do is not “bash” the OT priesthood or law. He’s showing its inadequacy in light of Jesus.

Jesus—Matthew 5:17 “Do not think that I have come to abolish the Law or the Prophets; I have not come to abolish them but to fulfill them.”

So, the author of Hebrews writes that “perfection” cannot be attained by either the Levitical Priesthood or the Levitical Law—two things at the heart of Jewish identity. Two things that God ordained and instituted but that he never intended to be permanent OR the final/eternal provision for salvation. And, yet, these believers were being tempted to turn back to these things for their hope and their salvation.

So, what does he mean when he says that “perfection” cannot be attained by the priesthood or the law? Well, that phrase “made perfect” or “attaining perfection” means “to be brought to completion/to be finished/fully fulfilled.”

So, the argument is that the Levitical Priesthood and the Levitical Law were unable to fulfill/finish/complete something…what? The full and final redemptive plan of God for humanity and for all of creation.

What is God’s redemptive plan? The undoing // restoration.

Tom Schreiner offers three aspects of this…

Sinlessness—FORGIVENESS OF SIN

Dwelling in God’s presence

Rule/dominion over creation

The first thing he tackles is…

1. The inadequacy of the Levitical Priesthood

Verse 11—“Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood…”

What does “perfection” mean? They were unable to fully bring about the fulfillment of God’s redemptive plan. Nothing was permanent.

God’s redemptive plan is to restore humanity to what was lost in Eden…God’s original design

Where we lived in sinless perfection

You cannot be saved by man.

2. The inadequacy of the Levitical Law

(vs. 19) The law is unable to save…it is inadequate.

Religion (???)

Could not get us close to God.

All of this inadequacy, though, points us to…

3. The eternal superiority of Jesus

Focus on verses 12-14

It took someone greater…someone “other”

English Standard Version Chapter 7

15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, 16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but

Main Idea: The resurrection of Jesus guarantees our hope in the fulfillment of God's redemptive promises. 

The resurrection of Jesus changes everything. The resurrection isn’t just an event that brought a happy ending to the otherwise sad story of Good Friday. It’s not the “and they all lived happily ever after” for God’s story.

The resurrection was proof that he was indestructible and was Lord of life and of death. It was the final proof that behind him there was God and therefore a power which nothing could stop.

William Barclay (New Testament Scholar)

The resurrection is the permanent undoing of death, the permanent assurance of sin’s forgiveness, the permanent access we need to the presence of God and the ushering in of the new creation.

Because of the resurrection of Jesus, we have a “better hope.” A hope that is rock solid in assurance. A hope that, according to Romans 5:5, “does not disappoint.” The priesthood and the law were put in place to give the people hope that something better was coming…something permanent/eternal was coming. Now that Jesus has risen from the dead, this hope is better. This hope is eternal.

The resurrection of Jesus guarantees our…

A. Forgiveness of sins

PERMANENT

Romans 8:3 “For God has done what the law, weakened by the flesh, could not do. By sending his own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh and for sin, he condemned sin in the flesh,”

Galatians 3:10–14 “For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, “Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.” Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for “The righteous shall live by faith.” But the law is not of faith, rather “The one who does them shall live by them.” Christ redeemed us from the curse of the law by becoming a curse for us—for it is written, “Cursed is everyone who is hanged on a tree”— so that in Christ Jesus the blessing of Abraham might come to the Gentiles, so that we might receive the promised Spirit through faith.”

B. Dwelling with God

PERMANENT

C. Restoration of rule

PERMANENT

Application

1. Forgiveness of Sins: Live in the Freedom of Christ’s Permanent Atonement

Text Connection: The Levitical priesthood and law required repeated sacrifices because they couldn’t permanently atone for sin (Hebrews 7:11, 19). Jesus, as the eternal priest in the order of Melchizedek, offered Himself once for all, securing permanent forgiveness through His resurrection (Hebrews 7:16-17).

Application:

So What? Because Jesus’ sacrifice is complete and permanent, you don’t need to live under the weight of guilt or shame for past sins. The resurrection proves His sacrifice was accepted by God, and your forgiveness is secure.

This Week: A)SALVATION

B) Identify one area where you’re carrying guilt or striving to “earn” God’s approval (e.g., perfectionism at work, unresolved regret, or fear of not being “good enough”). Confess it to God, and rest in the truth that Jesus’ work is finished (John 19:30). Write down Romans 5:5 (“hope does not disappoint”) and place it somewhere visible to remind you of this freedom.

Practical Step: Each morning, pray a simple prayer: “Lord, thank You that my sins are forgiven through Jesus’ finished work. Help me walk in that freedom today.” If you’re tempted to doubt, recall the resurrection as your assurance.

Shaping Your Life: This truth frees you to live boldly, without fear of condemnation, and to extend forgiveness to others, knowing Christ has fully forgiven you.

2. Dwelling with God: Draw Near with Confidence

Text Connection: The Levitical law and priesthood created a barrier between people and God’s presence, with only priests entering the Holy Place (Hebrews 7:19). Jesus, through His indestructible life, introduces a “better hope” by which we can draw near to God (Hebrews 7:19).

Application:

So What? You don’t need a human intermediary or religious rituals to access God. Jesus’ resurrection opens direct, permanent access to God’s presence, so you can approach Him with confidence any time, anywhere.

This Week: Commit to a daily moment of drawing near to God—through prayer, reading Scripture, or silent reflection. For example, set aside 5 minutes each day to pray, “Lord, thank You for inviting me into Your presence. Speak to me today.” If you’re facing a tough decision or stress this week (e.g., at work, home, or school), pause to seek God’s presence before acting, trusting you have direct access.

Shaping Your Life: Knowing you can dwell with God permanently shapes your week by giving you peace in chaos, courage in uncertainty, and intimacy with God in every moment.

3. Restoration of Rule: Live as Ambassadors of Christ’s Kingdom

Text Connection: The Levitical system couldn’t restore humanity’s intended role to rule over creation as God’s image-bearers. Jesus, as the priest-king like Melchizedek, restores this dominion through His resurrection, ushering in the new creation (Hebrews 7:15-16).

Application:

So What? Jesus’ resurrection empowers you to live as a representative of His kingdom, exercising godly influence in your spheres (family, workplace, community). You’re not just surviving the week—you’re called to reflect Christ’s rule and reign.

This Week: Identify one area where you can exercise godly “rule” or influence. For example:

At work, show integrity or kindness in a challenging situation.

At home, lead your family with patience and love, reflecting Christ’s character.

In your community, serve someone in need (e.g., a neighbor, a coworker) as an act of representing Jesus’ kingdom.

Practical Step: Choose one specific action to reflect Christ’s rule this week. For example, if you’re a parent, lead a family devotion one evening. If you’re a student, encourage a struggling classmate. If you’re at work, resolve a conflict with grace. Pray, “Lord, help me reflect Your kingdom in [specific situation] this week.”

Shaping Your Life: You’re called to live with purpose, knowing your actions this week contribute to God’s redemptive plan, reflecting His kingdom in a broken world.