Download YouVersion sermon notes
The old system doesn’t do it.
Hebrews 7:11-17 ESV
Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”
The old system doesn’t do it.
1. The Law cannot produce perfect people. 2. New priesthood can change that.
A greater priesthood exists.
Hebrews 7:4-10 ESV
See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.
A greater priesthood exists.
1. Abraham considered Melchizedek greater than himself. 2. Abraham’s tithe establishes the Melchizedek order greater than the Levitical order.
Melchizedek foreshadows Jesus
Hebrews 6:20 ESV
where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
Melchizedek foreshadows Jesus
Hebrews 7:1-3 ESV
For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.
Melchizedek foreshadows Jesus
1. Melchizedek a high priest like Jesus. 2. Melchizedek is king of righteousness and peace like Jesus. 3. Melchizedek has no beginning and end like Jesus.
Jesus is required to be high priest
Hebrews 5:1-10 ESV
For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was. So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek.
Jesus is required to be high priest
1. Jesus was appointed by the Father as high priest. 2. Jesus, as son, submitted to the will of the Father.
Three things our High Priest does better
Hebrews 2:17 ESV
Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.
Three things our High Priest does better
Hebrews 3:1 ESV
Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession,
Three things our High Priest does better
2. He is our permanent and constant mediator.
Three things our High Priest does better
Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV
Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.
Three things our High priest does better
3. He makes it possible to have instant contact with God.
A better hope
Hebrews 7:18-19 ESV
For 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.
So What?
– We can have confidence in the complete salvation of Jesus. – We can focus on meeting others’ needs. – We can take advantage of an open line to God. – We can live courageous lives in service of the King and High Priest!