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.” Hebrews 5:5-6
I continue my study of Hebrews, assisted by the commentary Christ Centered Exposition: Exalting Jesus in Hebrews. This morning, I maintain my focus on Hebrews 5:1-10, as I lean on my commentary and explore what the commentary describes as the second division "Our Appointed High Priest," which looks at Hebrews 5:5-6. For this text, the commentary almost exclusively focuses on v6 where Christ is described by the author of Hebrews as "a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." It shares how Melchizedek only showed up in two places in scripture:
- Genesis 14:17-24: The commentary describes this text: "Melchizedek is a king and yet performs a task not common to kings: offering bread and wine. Genesis then identifies Melchizedek as a priest of God Most High. Thus, in some mysterious way, God appointed a priest from a foreign people unto himself. He then brought this foreign king who was a priest to Abraham, the one with whom God had established his covenant. Melchizedek first blesses Abraham, and Abraham responds by giving him a tenth of everything. Then Melchizedek abruptly disappears."
- Psalm 110: The commentary describes this text: "This psalm’s immediate fulfillment happened in David’s own kingship, but its ultimate fulfillment came later in David’s line—in the one who sits at the Father’s right hand, Jesus Christ. Given that Melchizedek seemingly has little to do with the messianic nature of this psalm, the inclusion of his name likely would have surprised the original audience. “A priest forever” points to the messianic figure who fulfills this prophecy and distinguishes the order of Melchizedek’s priesthood from other priesthoods. Other priesthoods had a termination date because all other priests died. Death prevented them from serving as priests forever. Jesus Christ, however, on account of his resurrection from the dead, serves as a priest forever. His priesthood knows no end."
The commentary wraps for this text by sharing that Jesus's priesthood "must mean that Jesus’s priesthood, like Melchizedek’s, is born out of the sovereign purposes of God. The order—that is, the nature—of Jesus’s priesthood is of a sovereign order, a sovereign nature. Like Melchizedek, Jesus did not take the honor of priest upon himself; he was sovereignly appointed. And in his appointment and service as high priest, he was exalted above all others."
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Lord Jesus, You are indeed appointed by God for His sovereign purposes to be King of Kings and my Lord and Savior. You came to save me! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of such a blessing. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from such sin, and turn towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
