The Tabernacle of God: The High Priest (part 2)

Genesis 14:18-20; Hebrews 7:14-17

When Lot moved to Sodom, he found himself in trouble. Four kings formed a confederacy and attacked Sodom and four other cities in the area. Lot and many others in those cities were taken captive after their defeat. As the enemies were making their getaway with the captives, someone came and told Abraham. He gathered 300 trained servants, and they went and defeated the enemy armies and returned the captives to their homes. That is where our text from Genesis picks up.

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Then Melchizedek, king of Salem, brought out bread and wine; he was the priest of God Most High. And he blessed him and said: “Blessed be Abram of God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; And blessed be God Most High, Who has delivered your enemies into your hand.” And he gave him a tithe of all.

Genesis 14:18-20

For it is evident that our Lord arose from Judah, of which tribe Moses spoke nothing concerning priesthood. And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life. For He testifies: "You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.”

Hebrews 7:14-17

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Hebrews tells us that Jesus is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek, but who is this Melchizedek? That is a great question! The passage in Genesis is all we know of him, except for the comparison that Hebrews makes. He seemingly came out of nowhere and then disappears just as quickly as he appeared. From a Biblical perspective, that is the point. He is a picture of Jesus not having a mother and father who brought Him into existence. Jesus just always has been. Also, there is no record of Melchizedek dying, just as Jesus lives forever and thus His role as High Priest never ends.

The name Melchizedek comes from two Hebrew words that mean "King of Righteousness". He was the king of Salem which translates from Hebrew to "King of peace". We know that Jesus is our King of righteousness and King of peace. It is also important to note that Melchizedek was a priest and king. In Israel, the priesthood and throne were separated. The priests were from the tribe of Levi, and the kings came from the tribe of Judah (except for Saul who came from Benjamin). Jesus was born into the tribe of Judah, and was a descendent of David, which made Him heir to the throne of David. The King part was easy, but how could He be our High Priest?

This is where this weird story and the prophesy in Psalm 110:4 come in. Jesus as the King of creation and the high priest of His creation needed legal access to do both. In His infinite wisdom, God introduced us to this man Melchizedek to establish a legal precedent for Jesus to fill both roles. We should also note that it is believed that Salem was an early name of Jerusalem. So Melchizedek was king of Old Jerusalem, and Jesus will be King of New Jerusalem. As God, Jesus could do what He wanted to do. It wasn't a problem. However, when He became a man and submitted Himself to His laws for man, He needed legal precedent to be both king and priest. Melchizedek set that precedent!

We all know that Jesus is King. What many people do not understand is His role as High Priest. First, He offered the sacrifice for our sins in Heaven (His own blood). Second, He intercedes on our behalf to God the Father. He takes our prayers to the Father. As we are imperfect, sometimes He cleans them up a little bit. Remember, we are sinners and unworthy to approach the throne of God. Yet, we have access to God's throne because of His perfect Son who intercedes on our behalf. Third, He prays for us. What a wonderful thought that God the Son is praying for me!

I want to mention one more thing about Melchizedek. Did you notice what he brought to Abraham? He brought bread and wine. This is what Jesus gave to the church as a symbol of His sacrifice for sins. No doubt Abraham and his men were tired from the journey and battle, and we see a gift from the priest to God's chosen man that reminded Him of God's provision. So, when we partake in the Lord's Supper (communion) we too are reminded of God's provision for His people through the sacrifice of Jesus on the cross. This is symbolized through the bread and and wine or grape juice. God didn't miss a detail did He!

Father, we are so grateful for the attention to detail that You provided to us through Your Word. Help us to not miss these little nuggets of God because we are rushing through and not paying attention. Draw them to our sight. Help us to keep our wonder as we study and stand amazed in Your presence!