I really like how the Hebrews writer breaks it all down. The explanation that Mel (shortened) was without record of family, no account of beginning or end - you can already see the parallels to Jesus.
The book talks about Abraham giving Mel one tenth.
And then the writer poses the question - if perfection could have been obtained through the Levi priests, then why was another needed? The question is answered by Jesus, described as a better hope, one by which we draw near to God.
24-25 - And because this priest, Jesus, lives forever, He is our permanent priest. Therefore he is able to save completely [us] who come to God through Him, because He always lives to intercede (pray to the Father) for [us].
And since Jesus is blameless, sinless, He does not need to offer any more sacrifices for sins - He offered Himself and that is enough.
The explanation, the logic, the tie-ins to Old and New Testaments - so much evidence to point to Jesus saying - here He is, this is what you have been looking for all your life.
Just another reason why this is one of my favorite books.
Peace,
james
1 comment:
Reading through this chapter and the relation between Melchizedek and Jesus is fascinating! The way God laid out Melchizedek's situation in a way that would be of blessing and teaching several thousand years later is crazy to me! That Melchizedek's beginning and end would be omitted; that he was the only priest where an oath was involved; all these different characteristics that define Melchizedek would come back to help establish the identity and Christ-ness in Jesus!
Post a Comment