Hebrews 7 - Jesus Changed Everything

If you are not deeply rooted in or educated in the Torah, then all these references to Melchizedek might not make any sense. Let me say, you are in good company if you are a little confused, I know I was. So, let me offer some quick context that might help a little. 

Back in Genesis (14), 2000 years or so before Jesus, Abraham meets this guy Melchizedek. The Hebrews author is quoting Genesis here and letting us know Abraham gave a tenth of everything, and then goes on to tell us his name means “king of righteousness.” Then it gets even stranger when it’s explained that Melchizedek was without father or mother, without genealogy. This is strange, and there is no agreement from Biblical scholars on this one. One commentary says this; some think that without father, without mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but made like the Son of God means that Melchizedek was a heavenly being, if not a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Himself.

I tend to agree and fall on the side of Melchizedek, a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus...but let's move on. For a little more context, we need to stay in the culture of the times this was written. It was known that temple priests were strictly from the family line of Levi, and Kings came from the line of Judah. So, the Hebrew author took time to unpack this to show how the priesthood is changed, and because of that, the law must be changed. Jesus changed EVERYTHING! Jesus was both priest and king. 

“Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.” - ‭‭Hebrews‬ ‭7:26-28‬ ‭NIV‬‬

Jesus, as the high priest, meets our needs, all our needs, forever! Faith in Jesus moves us to a place where daily sacrifices are not needed! Jesus was born sinless, lived sinlessly, died sinless and rose sinless to pave the way for us to have peace with God. Jesus is the Gospel, the Good News.

Lord, thank you for sending us your son. Lord, thank you for setting us free from bondage, and daily seeking atonement. Lord, because your love is so great, we desire to live a life full of love. Lord, help us love others as you love us. Amen.