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Hebrews 7:1-3
The importance of this passage of Hebrews 7:1-3, in describing Melchizedek, is relevant in the priesthood of Jesus, as we learn from Hebrews 6:19-20 (NKJV), “This hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which enters the Presence behind the veil, where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”
Our task in this passage is to utilize Scripture to establish a connection between Jesus and Melchizedek. What the Scriptures tell us about Melchizedek is solid, but not much is revealed. We do know that Melchizedek is, “king of Salem, priest of the Most High God” (Hebrews 7:1), “king of righteousness”, and that “king of Salem” also translates to “king of peace” (Hebrews 7:2). In Hebrews 7:3 we learn that Melchizedek is, “without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually.” We learn that Melchizedek blessed Abraham, and Abraham gave Melchizedek a tenth of everything (Genesis 14:17-24; Hebrews 7:1-2). Genesis 14:18 (ESV) states, “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.)”
Some scholars want to attach Melchizedek as being the preincarnate Jesus, but questions quickly arise as to Melchizedek being without father or mother, and that Jesus is often referred to as the Son of God and the earthly son of Mary. Melchizedek brought bread and wine to Abraham, which is another possible connection to Jesus and the Last Supper where Jesus shared bread and wine with His disciples. Possibly the most important connection that we need to make between Melchizedek and Jesus is that of Melchizedek, “…having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God, remains a priest continually” (Hebrews 7:3) is the order of priesthood by which Jesus is ordained (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 6:20).
This is a promise of the everlasting priesthood of Jesus through the order of Melchizedek.
It is appropriate for God to have chosen an everlasting priesthood for that of our Savior Jesus as His priesthood reigns forever. We have learned from Hebrews 6:26-28 that the priesthood of man was through the order of the Levites, and being of man, these High Priests have weaknesses of their own that need to be atoned for. But Jesus was/is without sin and has lived forever in eternity past and will live forever in eternity future as the everlasting High Priest who has offered Himself as a sacrifice for the sins of all humanity. Jesus is alive in spirit, and He mediates our salvation to our Creator God in heaven for all who will believe in Him. He is our solid foundation of life. He is the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through Him (John 14:6).
Dear LORD,
King David prophesied of the priesthood of Jesus being through the order of Melchizedek, who Abraham gave a tenth of everything to as High Priest of God, and of whom gave blessing to Abraham. Abraham represents the beginning of Your great plan of salvation for man, and the sign of Your everlasting priesthood was there. It is through Your Holy Spirit that You live within us, as is Your everlasting priesthood for man through Melchizedek and to the everlasting priesthood of Jesus. Please open our eyes to our need for Your Holy Spirit to live within our hearts – to purify us through Your everlasting forgiveness for all who will believe in You – in Christ. In Jesus name I pray, amen.