Hebrews 4:14-5:1-14, 7:1-28
“Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.” Hebrews 4:14
First of all, I want to summarize the book of Hebrews. The Book of Hebrews was written as a means of pointing out the best of the two covenants. We do not merely see the comparison of the Old Covenant Vs. the New Covenant, but we see them explained in a way that helps us to get a better picture and vision of the types of our Saviour.
The author no doubt was dealing with a group of Christians who had come to the point spiritually, they no longer were feeling God speaking to them. It seems as though they had began dabbling again with the Old Covenantal system of worship so their seeing could replace their lack of feeling.
The author no doubt was dealing with a group of Christians who had come to the point spiritually, they no longer were feeling God speaking to them. It seems as though they had began dabbling again with the Old Covenantal system of worship so their seeing could replace their lack of feeling.
Jesus is the perfect High Priest, not just because He has that connection with His Father, but because He was acquainted with grief and chose to bear ours. Isaiah 53:3,4
In Hebrews 5 we will discuss the priesthood, both Aaron’s priesthood and the priesthood of Melchizedek.
Aaron’s appointment as a priest begins in Exodus 19:6, Exodus 28:1,2
The first mention of the priesthood begins as a Priesthood for the entire Israel nation with God as their High Priest. The whole purpose of this priesthood was to maintain the religious nature of the worship of God and through the holiness of the nation of Israel, the heathen nations would be drawn to God. Once the nation of Israel was established as a nation of priests, God proceeded with special instructions for them (a code of conduct if you will). The power of God when He spoke was so awesome that the Israelite trembled and begged Moses to have God speak through him. So was God’s initial plan for the priesthood failed?
God’s plan for the priesthood was not failed, but actually makes a very good point! Our God is so holy that sinful humanity, as most certainly some of the Israelites would have been, cannot bear to be in the presence of a Holy God.
Till now, God had remained the High Priest for all of humanity, but He began setting the stage for the arrival of a High Priest that could Identify with the people. First of all, God set up Aaron the world’s first human High Priest. He was human so he identified with mankind, but he was imperfect as were a myriad of following High Priests.
I hope I was able to give a concise study of the Aaronic Priesthood, and then as we look at Melchizedek, we can remember the Old Covenant Priesthood, which pointed to something far greater.
The first mention of the priesthood begins as a Priesthood for the entire Israel nation with God as their High Priest. The whole purpose of this priesthood was to maintain the religious nature of the worship of God and through the holiness of the nation of Israel, the heathen nations would be drawn to God. Once the nation of Israel was established as a nation of priests, God proceeded with special instructions for them (a code of conduct if you will). The power of God when He spoke was so awesome that the Israelite trembled and begged Moses to have God speak through him. So was God’s initial plan for the priesthood failed?
God’s plan for the priesthood was not failed, but actually makes a very good point! Our God is so holy that sinful humanity, as most certainly some of the Israelites would have been, cannot bear to be in the presence of a Holy God.
Till now, God had remained the High Priest for all of humanity, but He began setting the stage for the arrival of a High Priest that could Identify with the people. First of all, God set up Aaron the world’s first human High Priest. He was human so he identified with mankind, but he was imperfect as were a myriad of following High Priests.
I hope I was able to give a concise study of the Aaronic Priesthood, and then as we look at Melchizedek, we can remember the Old Covenant Priesthood, which pointed to something far greater.
Who was Melchizedek?
The King of Righteousness
Then the King of Salem (or Peace)
Many people believe that Salem is the same as Jerusalem.
No Beginning or End
No Father or Mother
High Priest for ever
The King of Righteousness
Then the King of Salem (or Peace)
Many people believe that Salem is the same as Jerusalem.
No Beginning or End
No Father or Mother
High Priest for ever
Other View Points:
Ancient literature uses Melchizedek as a nickname for Shem the son of Noah.
Some People believe Melchizedek was an earthly King who was so righteous he was also made High Priest.
Jewish Hellenistic philosopher Philo identifies Melchizedek as Logos
Some people believe it was a manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
Ancient literature uses Melchizedek as a nickname for Shem the son of Noah.
Some People believe Melchizedek was an earthly King who was so righteous he was also made High Priest.
Jewish Hellenistic philosopher Philo identifies Melchizedek as Logos
Some people believe it was a manifestation of the Holy Spirit.
They do not really know what become of the inhabitants of Jebus/Jerusalem during the conquest but many believe because of their righteous king Melchizedek they were integrated into the camp of Israel. They also believe that the descendants of Melchizedek became Jerusalem’s Priests. This view goes against what the Word of God says.
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Hebrews 3:6
Hebrews 10:23
1 Thessalonians 5:21
2 Thessalonians 2:15
Matthew 11:28
Hebrews 10:23
1 Thessalonians 5:21
2 Thessalonians 2:15
Matthew 11:28
Genesis 14:1-24 (14:17-24)
Melchizedek blessed Abraham and Abraham gave him Tithes. This is all it says in Genesis about Melchizedec but it is full of implications. Melchizedek recognizes His authority over Abraham as He has the power and authority to Bless. Abraham would not give tithes to a fellow human, He obviously understood this was God standing before him as a pre-incarnate Christ. At this point in time, Abraham was careful in his dealings with humans and he understood what was going on in this discourse. This was the beginning of an anointing on Abraham’s life. We go right into another discourse, where the king of Sodom, who apparently was standing there through the previous conversation with Melchizedek, wants to bless Abraham as well for his role in rescuing his people. Abraham refuses with an oath to God that he would no longer take blessings or goods from the hand of the wicked, lest they should boast that they had increased Abraham’s wealth.
Abraham’s faithfulness was then rewarded with a further blessing that would eventually bless all nations!
Melchizedek blessed Abraham and Abraham gave him Tithes. This is all it says in Genesis about Melchizedec but it is full of implications. Melchizedek recognizes His authority over Abraham as He has the power and authority to Bless. Abraham would not give tithes to a fellow human, He obviously understood this was God standing before him as a pre-incarnate Christ. At this point in time, Abraham was careful in his dealings with humans and he understood what was going on in this discourse. This was the beginning of an anointing on Abraham’s life. We go right into another discourse, where the king of Sodom, who apparently was standing there through the previous conversation with Melchizedek, wants to bless Abraham as well for his role in rescuing his people. Abraham refuses with an oath to God that he would no longer take blessings or goods from the hand of the wicked, lest they should boast that they had increased Abraham’s wealth.
Abraham’s faithfulness was then rewarded with a further blessing that would eventually bless all nations!
Psalm 110:4
Acts 16:17 Servants of the Most High God…
Acts 16:17 Servants of the Most High God…
The job description of the High Priest was to offer sacrifices and gifts on behalf of the people to God. No High Priest of God would try to honour himself with his position or by his position, but he would wait on a holy appointment for the calling. The same way Christ did not look for his own glory in being a High Priest, but was chosen by His Father for that calling.
Jesus, as we pointed out before was acquainted with grief or sorrows. Hebrews 5:7 indicates an earnest prayer to save Him from death. Through His faithfulness, He became the Author of Salvation and and the High Priest forever.
Jesus, as we pointed out before was acquainted with grief or sorrows. Hebrews 5:7 indicates an earnest prayer to save Him from death. Through His faithfulness, He became the Author of Salvation and and the High Priest forever.
The earthly High Priest was the only one allowed to enter the Holy of Holies (on penalty of death), but through Jesus death He tore down that middle wall of partition between us as mankind to give us an entrance with the Father in the Heavenly Holy of Holies.
Isaiah 32:1
“Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.”
“Behold, a king shall reign in righteousness, and princes shall rule in judgment.”
Tithe : Numbers 31:41
How does knowing that Jesus is our High Priest strengthen our profession?
Knowing that Jesus Christ as God in the Flesh knows what it is like to face temptations, He understands our weaknesses and intercedes on our behalf.
Knowing that Jesus Christ as God in the Flesh knows what it is like to face temptations, He understands our weaknesses and intercedes on our behalf.
Does coming boldly to God imply a lack of humility?
Esther 4:16 Though Esther had no assurance of being heard by the king, because of her desperation, she approached the king with her petition. She actually was facing a penalty of death for coming uninvited.
That middle wall of separation between us and God has been torn away. It is as if there is a standing invitation to approach the throne of God. We do not need to go through a ritual now to hear the voice of God, but do we have the attitude that I will die if I don’t hear from him? The Word of God always brings life!
Esther 4:16 Though Esther had no assurance of being heard by the king, because of her desperation, she approached the king with her petition. She actually was facing a penalty of death for coming uninvited.
That middle wall of separation between us and God has been torn away. It is as if there is a standing invitation to approach the throne of God. We do not need to go through a ritual now to hear the voice of God, but do we have the attitude that I will die if I don’t hear from him? The Word of God always brings life!
If, despite your sin, Jesus has compassion on you, how should you relate to other sinners?
Matthew 18 Treating each other with humility and forgiveness is actually a display of the meekness we carry within our soul. If a Righteous God who has the power to destroy mankind for its sin chooses to be merciful then who are we to look at a fellow sinner in disdain.
Matthew 18 Treating each other with humility and forgiveness is actually a display of the meekness we carry within our soul. If a Righteous God who has the power to destroy mankind for its sin chooses to be merciful then who are we to look at a fellow sinner in disdain.
Why is it important that Jesus is of the Priestly order of Melchizedek, not Aaron’s?
The earthly priesthood has always been faulty for the reason of those who were the priests, even though they were ordained by God for that purpose, had a sinful nature and were not the perfect priest. Melchizedek was first the King of Righteousness and then the King of Peace. Everything about speaks of a deity!
The earthly priesthood has always been faulty for the reason of those who were the priests, even though they were ordained by God for that purpose, had a sinful nature and were not the perfect priest. Melchizedek was first the King of Righteousness and then the King of Peace. Everything about speaks of a deity!
If Jesus learned obedience through suffering, what might be our calling?
As sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, we too are called to obedience. The question remains though, Are you obeying your Father because that is what you are called to do, or are you obeying Him because as a son or daughter you wish to see His plan fulfilled. The real answer lies in that question. If we are just being obedient because that is our calling, then we will always chafe under that obedience. This is a heart question, and must be answered with the heart. We can either remain a servant in the kingdom of God or be a partner.
As sons and daughters of our Heavenly Father, we too are called to obedience. The question remains though, Are you obeying your Father because that is what you are called to do, or are you obeying Him because as a son or daughter you wish to see His plan fulfilled. The real answer lies in that question. If we are just being obedient because that is our calling, then we will always chafe under that obedience. This is a heart question, and must be answered with the heart. We can either remain a servant in the kingdom of God or be a partner.
What is significant about Jesus coming through the tribe of Judah?
Though it was prophesied by Jacob (Aka Israel) that a kings would rule from among the descendants of Judah until “Shiloh” come and draws all men to Him. This is a reference to Jesus our Savior and Messiah.
Though it was prophesied by Jacob (Aka Israel) that a kings would rule from among the descendants of Judah until “Shiloh” come and draws all men to Him. This is a reference to Jesus our Savior and Messiah.
Over what people what people was Melchizedek Priest?
Melchizedek is a priest for all the people of the world.
Melchizedek is a priest for all the people of the world.
Why is it important that Jesus’ priesthood is unchangeable?
Death and corruption are a result of the curse of sin. Jesus Priesthood is unchangeable because He will never experience death again nor will ever experience corruption. The Old Testament Priesthood kept changing for both of those. The Priest would first experience death and then corruption. This just further solidifies Jesus place the the ultimate High Priest.
Death and corruption are a result of the curse of sin. Jesus Priesthood is unchangeable because He will never experience death again nor will ever experience corruption. The Old Testament Priesthood kept changing for both of those. The Priest would first experience death and then corruption. This just further solidifies Jesus place the the ultimate High Priest.
What does it mean to save them to the uttermost?
Ephesians 3:20,21 Jesus power to save has no ending.
Ephesians 3:20,21 Jesus power to save has no ending.
What is unique about our High Priest’s sacrifice?
The Old Testament Priests would sacrifice the best lambs for the sins of the people, but our High Priest sacrificed Himself as the perfect Lamb. All the other sacrifices and there were quite a few, pointed to this one sacrifice which was done once and for all! Hebrews 4:14-16
The Old Testament Priests would sacrifice the best lambs for the sins of the people, but our High Priest sacrificed Himself as the perfect Lamb. All the other sacrifices and there were quite a few, pointed to this one sacrifice which was done once and for all! Hebrews 4:14-16
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