Hebrews 7
1. How do you understand the nature of Melchizedek’s priesthood? Why is it superior
to Levi’s or Aaron’s? How is it suitable as a precursor of Jesus’ high priesthood?
Certainly, there is some mystery surrounding the life and importance of
Melchizedek. Although we don’t have a significant amount of detail in the scriptures
regarding this king/priest, we do have enough clues to make some assertions regarding
His comparisons to Christ. Hebrews 7 begins with a very brief description: This
Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High (Heb 7:1). An extremely
unique combination is described when Melchizedek is referred to as a King and a Priest.
Far superior to the future Levitical priests as this “Royal Priest” did come from a certain
line of ancestors or people. He was appointed by God, Himself. Any high priest within
the law and lineage system (that of Aaron and the line of Levi) of the nation of Israel
would only serve as temporary until a more permanent (and perfect) way is established
by God. The author references Christ in Hebrews 7:17: For it is declared: You are a
priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek. Just as Melchizedek was a Royal Priest, so
Christ is the ultimate Royal Priest. He is the forever King of kings and permanent high
priest sitting at the right hand of the Father.
2. What kind of person do you need to pray for you before God? In what way does
Jesus meet the qualifications?
We require a high priest who can make intercession for us directly before a Holy
God and ultimate Judge. This requires a perfect sacrifice acceptable to God that serves to
make atonement for all who present themselves to receive such. The author reminds us
that He (Christ) sacrificed for their (and our) sins once for all when he offered himself.
(Heb 7:27). Such a sacrifice gives superiority to Christ as He is able to fulfil the covenant
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promise as Hebrews 7:20 references: Jesus has become the guarantor of a better
covenant.
3. What does Jesus need to pray for you? Have you asked him to do it?
Jesus intercedes (prays) on our behalf to seek full deliverance from the depravity
of sin that requires our separation from God. The author of Hebrews delivers confidently
that Christ is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he
always lives to intercede for them. (Heb 7:25) I am grateful that I am one of those to
whom He has fully delivered.
4. Why were a new priesthood and a new covenant needed? Describe the new
covenant?
A new priesthood and new covenant was necessary since the genealogically based
Levitical process was inadequate to fully bring to fulfillment the goal of the Heavenly
Father. The text in Hebrews says that The former regulation the old priesthood and
covenant) is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing
perfect), and a better hope (the new covenant) is introduced, by which we draw near to
God. This new covenant “introduces” Jesus Christ as a high priest [who} truly meets our
need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the
heavens. 27 Unlike the other high priests…He sacrificed for their sins once for all when
he offered himself... but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has
been made perfect forever. (Heb 7:26-29). A perfect, blameless sacrifice made once for
all and is found acceptable and pleasing to God. This sacrifice affords those who believe,
unfettered access to their Creator directly so that, through Christ, they may be fully
restored to right relationship with their Heavenly Father.
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Hebrews 8
1. What is the current priestly ministry of Jesus?
Jesus Christ appointed as THE High Priest provides Him with the ultimate
superiority. He is superior to any and all those who would rise to any level of priestly
authority. As the Royal High Priest, Christ serves as definitive deliverance of any and all
redemptive activities. Hebrews 8:1-2 makes this assertion: the main point of what we are
saying is this: We do have such a high priest, who sat down at the right hand of the
throne of the Majesty in heaven, and who serves in the sanctuary, the true tabernacle set
up by the Lord, not by a mere human being. He not only forever reigns but also forever
makes intercession for us to the Father for His forgiveness of our sins.
2. Describe the differences between the old and new covenants
Simply, the old covenant was based on temporal solutions to humanities
imperfections. The old required repetitive sacrifices offered by fallible hierarchal priest
for the temporal redemption of their sins. In contract, the new is based on permanent
restoration of the ultimate God designed relationship with man that He desired before the
foundation of the world. The new covenant offers the Hope of one perfect and holy
sacrifice for all. The result of this sacrifice is the doing away with the old and replacing
its fallibility with a singular confidence that can never pass away. This new covenant is in
fact the ministry Jesus has received is as superior to theirs as the covenant of which he is
mediator is superior to the old one, since the new covenant is established on better
promises. (Heb 6:4-5)
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3. How is Jesus’ ministry superior to that of the Old Testament priests
The Levitical High Priest not only had the responsibility of making the sacrifices
for the people before God, but He also had to make sacrifices for his own sins and
wrongdoings. A fallen man delivered to the position of High Priest due to genealogical
preferences is an incomplete promise of ultimate redemption. Jesus Christ being
appointed as the Royal High Priest brought to pass the new and perfect plan and promise
of God. His perfect, holy, redemptive work became the new covenant. By calling this
covenant “new,” he has made the first one obsolete; and what is obsolete and outdated
will soon disappear. (Heb 8:13)
4. What is the relationship between the covenant work of Christ and your obedience?
The first act of obedience to this new covenant work of Christ is to believe that
He is who He says He is. As we receive the atonement for our sins, we then in turn
refocus our lives in daily pursuit of the perfection that comes from being more like
Christ. Seeking and following His ultimate will for our lives should be our obedient
response to the Great Deliverer. For all those who move forward with obedience to the
Father, He promises: I will be their God, and they will be my people. (Heb 8:10)
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