“So if perfection had in fact been possible through the Levitical priesthood—for on that basis the people received the law—what further need would there have been for another priest to arise, said to be in the order of Melchizedek and not in Aaron’s order? For when the priesthood changes, a change in the law must come as well. Yet the one these things are spoken about belongs to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever officiated at the altar. For it is clear that our Lord is descended from Judah, yet Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe. And this is even clearer if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest not by a legal regulation about physical descent but by the power of an indestructible life”. Hebrews 7:11-16 NET
I must admit that the passage in Hebrews has long fascinated
me, transforming the Melchizedek priesthood into an intriguing mystery.
Initially, I viewed it through a mystical lens. However, after a deep and
thoughtful examination of this passage, I arrived at a revelation that reshaped
my understanding: it is not Melchizedek who embodies eternal life, but Jesus
Christ Himself. As a divine being transcending death, Jesus is a
priest in the order of the Most High God, exemplifying the role as the King of
Righteousness. His perfect righteousness, paired with the power of an
indestructible life, ignites a profound sense of hope and unwavering confidence
in all who choose to believe in Him.
The Levitical priesthood was designed to be a temporary
system. Once a priest fulfilled his service, he would return to his family,
seamlessly stepping back into his everyday life as a father, husband, and
provider. This structure had inherent imperfections, as it depended on the
varying strengths and weaknesses of each priest, which affected their ability
to perform their sacred duties.
As stated in Numbers 16:5, the Levitical priests were
divinely appointed, set apart for God’s service, and granted access to Him only
after undergoing ceremonial cleansing. To determine who would serve as priest
for each specific term, the Israelites cast lots, with each term typically
lasting a full year. This method highlighted the role of divine providence in selecting the priest and underscored the significant
responsibility attached to the office.
An intriguing question emerges: what prompts the necessity
for a new priesthood that goes beyond the laws of Moses and the Levitical line?
While the Levitical priesthood played an important role, it had inherent
limitations, as no priest could provide a lasting solution to sin. However,
these imperfections weren’t the end of the story; instead, they shine a light
on the hope for a superior priesthood—one fully capable of addressing the issue
of sin effectively and permanently. The challenges faced by the Levitical
priesthood open the door to the promise of a more powerful and enduring
priesthood, destined to fulfill this essential role in a bright and
transformative way.
The Levitical priesthood required transformation, just as
the law did. Originating from the tribe of Levi, it stands in contrast to
Jesus, who hailed from the tribe of Judah—a tribe not associated with the priesthood in the Scriptures. This underscores the necessity of Jesus'
elevation to a superior priesthood, one that transcends the confines of the
law. Enter the Melchizedek priesthood: a distinguished order that predates the law and exists entirely beyond its jurisdiction. This
priesthood is fundamentally separate from Jewish tradition, reinforcing the
exceptional nature of Jesus' role as our high priest.
Jesus had no legal obligation to follow the Priesthood of
Melchizedek, yet he brought something extraordinary to the table: an unending
life. This vital aspect set Jesus apart, making his connection to the
priesthood truly unique. His divine mission further amplified this uniqueness,
transforming the priesthood into a pathway accessible to all, regardless of
their background. With this groundbreaking shift, the priesthood opened its
doors to Jews and Gentiles, allowing Jesus to serve as a universal priest.
Through his life and mission, he inspires us all with the profound power of his
priesthood.
By establishing a priesthood that surpasses the limitations
of Levitical ordinances, Jesus forged an intimate connection with the fullness
of the Most High God. He unveiled a higher law transcending traditional
requirements, demonstrating that love and grace fulfill the law’s true purpose.
Jesus embodied a profound love that not only met every demand of the law but
also filled our hearts with unparalleled comfort. As our eternal High Priest,
He occupies a unique and exalted position, one from which He will never retire
or die. This guarantees us an unwavering and everlasting hope, assuring us of His
constant presence and support in our lives.
Stephen Barnett
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