What do you know about Melchizedek? We hear a lot about him in today’s reading. Christ has secured our way into heaven. Far above any earthly priest. We trust one day the Jews will see this for themselves.
Hebrews 7: The Priestly Order of Melchizedek
1 For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him,
2 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.
3 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.
4 See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils!
5 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.
6 But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises.
7 It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior.
8 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.
9 One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham,
10 for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.
Jesus Compared to Melchizedek
11 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?
12 For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.
13 For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar.
14 For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.
15 This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek,
16 who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.
17 For it is witnessed of him, "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek."
18 For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness
19 (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.
20 And it was not without an oath. For those who formerly became priests were made such without an oath,
21 but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, 'You are a priest forever.'"
22 This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant.
23 The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office,
24 but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever.
25 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.
26 For it was indeed fitting that we should have such a high priest, holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.
27 He has no need, like those high priests, to offer sacrifices daily, first for his own sins and then for those of the people, since he did this once for all when he offered up himself.
28 For the law appoints men in their weakness as high priests, but the word of the oath, which came later than the law, appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.
Things to think about…
1. Hebrews 7:1-10 speaks more about this character of Melchizedek. He has no genealogy, and the general sense is that this man was a pre-incarnate form of Christ over the city of Jerusalem. We know that Christ will rule and reign literally over this same city and that those who have received the promises of the covenant that came to Abraham will bring Him glory in that place. This portion of scripture is not definitive to prove the teaching of tithing, but there is certainly a principal that the one (Abraham) who received from God, also gave back to Him as part of his worship to the One who had delivered him from his enemies. Melchizedek being both a king of righteousness and a king of peace (Salem – Jerusalem) is certainly a type of Christ. Abraham the father of faith honours him with a tithe of everything.
2. Hebrews 7:11-17 speaks of Christ being the highest order priest, like Melchizedek, but unlike the Levitical priesthood, all of whom died, they could not achieve perpetual intercession before the Lord. Note that the writer says another priest means another law, vs 12. Jesus came from the tribe of Judah, not Levi. The writer quotes David, Psalm 110:4 by saying in Heb 7:12 by saying "You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek." The Christ would not come from Levi – the tribe of the Law, but the kingly line – which Moses was silent about, vs 14. Jesus like Melchizedek is without earthly parentage (in the genetic sense). David is saying that this is prophetic for the true King and Priest of Israel – who will ultimately fulfill and then replace the law as the New Priest.
3. This is the point of “the better hope”, vs 19 All the Levitical priests dead. If Christ is not seated at the right hand of the Father now, I.E if He did not rise from the dead, then as the Apostle Paul says, we are still dead in our sins and there is no forgiveness of sins because our interceding priest has no power, 1Cor 15:17. This is why the resurrection is crucial and central to Christianity. No resurrection, no salvation. Have you pondered your own resurrection? Look again at 1Cor 15 and Rev 20 to see how and when it takes place.
4. Jesus is able to save to the uttermost, Heb 7:25. Why? Because He is, “holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens”, vs 26. Never doubt your salvation when it is Christ who has secured it. “The word of the the oath… appoints a Son who has been made perfect forever.”, vs 28. As such our salvation is never in doubt. Neither should we be!
Vision Point for cell groups
CBC’s Vision :- To be a growing biblical church community, significantly influencing our city and beyond, through intentional outreach, fulfilling our mission.
Title was “The humble will be exalted” – Reading Esther 8.
1. The pastor mentioned the loss of his first job and the events that followed. What has been the most humiliating time or low point in your life? What were the circumstances that led you out of it? Were you a Christian did your faith play a part?
2. Recall what you remember of the story of Esther and Mordecai and what led to the ascension of Mordecai to be second in charge of the empire. God is not mentioned at all in the book but is clearly orchestrating events in the background. How would you describe coincidences?
3. We are called to follow Christ, to take up our cross and follow Him. After the suffering of the cross Acts 5:31 says “God exalted him at his right hand as Leader and Savior, to give repentance to Israel and forgiveness of sins”. What does this mean for you, your faith and your future?
Prayer Points
1. Pray for the 2 families that received CBC’s flood relief in Queensborough parade in Karalee.
2. Safety for those travelling over the school holidays coming up.
3. Peace to rest over Ukraine.
4. Folk sick with Flu A and Covid – relief and healing.
5. Pray for other building projects – café roof, the repair of the house roof.
6. Growth, conversions, joy in the Word and Spirit to remain and increase.
Praise Points
1. More new folk came to CBC on Sunday.
2. Worship on Sunday – thankyou and technical team.
3. Café helpers on Sunday – thanks Melinda and Maddison.
4. All those who faithfully serve in ministries, Worship, Sound/Technical/Kids Church/ Cell Groups/Admin - Bulletins/Finances/Property/Welcoming/Spiritual Leadership/Cafe
5. Joy, peace and grace we see at CBC. Thankyou Lord
Announcements
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Catechism question for June...
Q. 4. What becomes of men when they die? A. The body returns to dust, and the soul goes back to God to be judged.
