Hebrews 7

The Superiority of Jesus Christ

Hebrews chapter 7 presents the superiority of Jesus Christ, particularly in comparison to the Levitical priesthood. The Levitical priesthood, established in the Old Testament with Aaron as the first high priest, offered animal sacrifices for the sins of the people. These priests, being mere humans, had to offer sacrifices repeatedly because their priesthood lacked permanence.

The overarching theme of Hebrews is the superiority of Jesus Christ to everything that came before. Everything we have as Christians is better than what we had prior. In this chapter, the author shows Jesus' superiority as a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.

Who is Melchizedek?

Melchizedek is a mysterious figure who appears briefly in Genesis 14. He was priest to the Most High God and king of Salem, the ancient name for what became Jerusalem. He was both king and priest, foreshadowing Jesus, who is both King and our high priest.

Hebrews describes Melchizedek as without father, without mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, but abiding as a priest perpetually. This isn't literal but highlights the absence of genealogy in Scripture, unlike the detailed Jewish genealogies. Moses introduces him without backstory in Genesis, and he vanishes after blessing Abraham and receiving tithes. Psalm 110 prophesies a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek, which Hebrews expands upon.

The Story in Genesis 14

In Genesis 14, Abraham, called out from a polytheistic background, rescues his nephew Lot from Chedorlaomer, a powerful king dominating the region. After victory, Abraham returns to Salem and meets Melchizedek, who brings bread and wine—a covenant meal and sacrifice. Melchizedek blesses Abraham and God Most High. Abraham tithes to him, showing Melchizedek's superiority. Since Levi was in Abraham's loins, this demonstrates Melchizedek's priesthood greater than Levi's.

The Eternal Priesthood of Jesus

Melchizedek's lack of recorded genealogy sets the stage for Jesus' eternal priesthood, without beginning or end. Unlike Levitical priests who died and were replaced, Jesus' priesthood is permanent. He not only died for our sins but continually intercedes for us before God, standing in our place, declaring our forgiveness based on his sacrifice.

For the former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.

A Better Hope and Perfection

The Levitical priesthood and law could not bring perfection—complete, accomplished salvation. They exposed sin and pointed to Christ, but could not save.

If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood... what further need would there have been for another priest to arise in the order of Melchizedek...? For the priesthood being changed, there is necessarily a change of law as well... On the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

Perfection means being fully dedicated to God, salvation completed. The old system reminded of sin; Christ's sacrifice reminds of forgiveness. He is the guarantee of a better covenant, holy, innocent, unstained, and exalted above the heavens. He offered himself once for all, unlike the daily sacrifices of weak priests.

For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath that came after the law appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.

Implications for Us

In persecution, the author urges perseverance by reminding believers of Christ's superior priesthood and intercession. Jesus is before the Father, advocating for us when we sin. Compare Christ to anything else—nothing matches his sacrifice and ongoing intercession.

This powerful gospel changes lives. If we are in Christ, we are new creations. The reality of salvation must be evident. Christ saves to the uttermost—completely, perfectly, forever. Live worthy of this gospel, clinging to the high priest who intercedes for you eternally.