‘Jesus became a priest, not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi, but by the power of a life that cannot be destroyed. And the psalmist pointed this out when he prophesied, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”’ (Hebrews 7:16-17 NLT).
Quoting Psalm 110:4, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek”, the book of Hebrews declares Jesus to be the fulfillment of this messianic prophecy. Jesus is our eternal high priest. Melchizedek is a Christological type, foreshadowing Jesus the Messiah.
Melchizedek, whose name means “King of Righteousness,” was both the king of Salem and priest of God Most High (Gen. 14:18). It was he whom Abraham paid a tithe after he had blessed him after his victory over his enemies.
Though Jesus was born into the royal line of Judah and not the priestly line of Levi, His priesthood is superior because His priestly claim preceded Levi’s and is in every way superior to his. This is why the book of Hebrews spoke of the perpetuity of Melchizedek’s priesthood, showing that it predated the Levitical priesthood, and continues on after it for eternity. For Christ’s priesthood is based on an indestructible life. For He was raised from the dead, defeating sin, death, and the grave and He “always lives to make intercession” (Heb. 7:25) for us.
So then, what was the purpose of the Law and the Levitical priesthood? It was a foreshadowing and a tutor (Gal. 3:24) preparing the people of God for its fulfillment in Christ Jesus. In Him, the threefold office of Prophet, Priest and King are united. Christ is our Great High Priest after the order of Melchizedek, forever standing before the Father making intercession for us.
PRAYER: Dear Father, thank You for Your Word. For we catch glimpses of Christ Jesus on every page. We are thankful that we can offer our prayers to You always in His name. For Jesus is our eternal high priest. Strengthen us and lead us this day to do Your will according to Your mighty power. In Jesus’ name, amen.