Hebrews 7:11-19: Jesus' Priesthood is Needed
The Levitical priesthood and the Law could not attain perfection. It is only through the priesthood of Jesus that perfection can be attained where individuals are ushered into the presence of God.
Introduction
Scripture
Outline
Hebrews 1-2 - Jesus is Greater Than the Angels
Hebrews 3:1-4:13 - Jesus is a Greater Rest
Hebrews 4:14-7:26 - Jesus is Greater than Melchizedek
Purpose of Book
Christ, who has accomplished salvation through His atoning sacrifice, is greater than all things; therefore, persevere in true faith and encourage others to do likewise
Main Point
The Levitical priesthood and the Law could not attain perfection. It is only through the priesthood of Jesus that perfection can be attained where individuals are ushered into the presence of God.
Hebrews 7:11-14 - The Priesthood and Law has Changed
***Inclusio is formed in this chapter by “Son” in vss. 3 & 28***
***Chapter is broken into three sections - 1-10, 11-19, & 20-28***
***Smaller inclusio is formed in vss. 1-10 by “met”***
***Smaller inclusio is formed in vss. 11-19 by “perfect” & “law”***
Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood
Israelite priesthood office — the office that the priest holds and serves that includes performing religious duties and ceremonies to the God of Israel on behalf of others.
(for under it 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 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.
Hebrews 7:15-19 - A Better Hope
This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek,
Who has become a priest, not on the basis of legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.
2. Mosaic law system — the Torah understood as the system of laws, civil statutes, and priestly ordinances comprising the Mosaic covenant; especially understood as the means of earning God’s favor.
ⓑ of commands given by divine authorities
1. power — possession of controlling influence; often understood as manifesting influence over reality in a supernatural manner
For it is witnessed of him,
“You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”
First, that Jesus was appointed to high priesthood suggests that the regulations for worship, found in the law and centered on the old-covenant priests, have been exchanged for something better (7:11–19).