SUMMARY
Jesus is a perpetual high priestThe high priest was the most powerful priest in the temple in Jerusalem. The high priest Caiaphas held the office during the trial of Jesus. Later, in the New Testament book of Hebrews, the role of merciful high priest is ascribed to the resurrected Jesus. More, “according to the order of Melchizedek.” Melchizedek was “king of righteousness” and “king of peace.”
ANALYSIS
Identifying Jesus as a priestA priest is a person who has the authority to perform religious rites. In New Testament times priests were responsible for daily offerings and sacrifices in the temple. More after the order of Melchizedek is one of the most distinctive points of the Book of Hebrews. Melchizedek is mentioned only twice in the Old Testament, once in the story of Abraham (Genesis 14:17-20) and again in PsalmA psalm is a song of praise. In the Old Testament 150 psalms comprise the psalter, although some of the psalms are laments and thanksgivings. In the New Testament early Christians gathered to sing psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. More 110:4. The author of Hebrews assumes that readers already know that Jesus has been raised to heavenly glory, fulfilling Psalm 110:1, “The Lord said to my lord, ‘Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies your footstool.’” Therefore, the exalted Christ also must fulfill Psalm 110:4, which refers to the same person: “You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” The author points out that neither Melchizedek nor Jesus fits the usual requirement that priests are to have descended from the tribe of Levi. Moreover, Jesus is the only one who has been raised from the dead to eternal glory, meaning that he alone can truly serve as a priest forever, as the psalm said. Hebrews understands that people need a priest to intercede on their behalf with God (7:25). Since Jesus is seated at God’s right hand and lives forever, he is the one to whom they can turn for help.
