Jesus > Melchizedek > Aaron
Ascending to New Heights: Devotional # 39 of 40
A New Testament Scripture About the Ascension
We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 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. 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.
See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! 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.
But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. 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. One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him. (Hebrews 6:19-7:10)
Two Old Testament Scripture References
After his return from the defeat of Chedorlaomer and the kings who were with him, the king of Sodom went out to meet him at the Valley of Shaveh (that is, the King’s Valley). And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.)
And he blessed him and said, “Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!” And Abram gave him a tenth of everything. (Genesis 14:17-20)
The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Psalm 110:4)
How Are These Passages Related?
When I was in college at Olivet Nazarene University, I recall sitting in the library with a friend who mentioned that one of the reasons he enjoyed spending time with me was because of my knowledge about Melchizedek.
To him, familiarity with Melchizedek suggested a genuine passion for Bible reading and study.
Years later, I still believe he had a valid point. Many people aren't well-versed in the story of Melchizedek, making it surprising to encounter an entire chapter in the book of Hebrews dedicated to him.
However, like my college friend, I'm convinced that grasping the significance of this passage and understanding the basics of Melchizedek's role can deepen our comprehension of Jesus' superior priestly service in heaven.
So, let's first observe that as Hebrews 7 unfolds, it deepens a contrast previously made in the book between Jesus and the Levitical priesthood.
In essence, this section conveys that Jesus surpasses all Levitical priests due to the permanence of His priestly service.
Here are the reasons the author provides to illustrate why Melchizedek surpasses Aaron:
Melchizedek served as the king of Salem.
He functioned as a priest of the Most High God.
He blessed Abraham.
He received a tithe from Abraham.
Melchizedek lacks a genealogical record.
There's no mention of his birth or death in scripture.
What Does This Teach Us About the Ascension?
While the first four points are directly drawn from Genesis 14, the last two points rely on arguments from silence.
The writer of Hebrews emphasizes that the Bible never mentions Melchizedek’s parentage or lineage.
If you've read Genesis, you know the significance of genealogies to its broader message.
Moreover, Psalm 110:4 confirms that Melchizedek was appointed by God as a priest-king regardless of his lineage.
So, what's the point?
This discussion aims to illustrate how Melchizedek foreshadows Jesus Christ, resembling the "Son of God" (Hebrews 7:3).
Throughout Hebrews 7, the author uses Psalm 110:4 to explain how Jesus, as a superior priest-king, offers a priesthood that will never end.
Jesus’ priesthood accomplishes what Aaron’s could not: the complete salvation of His people (Hebrews 7:25).
Since Aaron's priesthood resulted from Moses’ unbelief, Jesus surpasses Aaron and all Levitical priests. He embodies the priest-king role exemplified by Melchizedek, but even more excellently so.1
All of this underscores that God's original plan was for humanity to rule creation as priest-kings (Genesis 1:26-31).
Therefore, Melchizedek serves as an example of someone appointed by God as a priest-king before Moses and Aaron and Jesus’ ascension restores the original plan God intended for humanity.
I hope this concise summary of Hebrews 7 not only aids in your understanding of Melchizedek but also illuminates the unparalleled greatness of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Prayer Prompt
List five reasons from Hebrews 7 why Jesus Christ is amazing, and then spend a few minutes praising God for the superiority of His Son.
The author of Hebrews likely viewed Aaron's priesthood as a concession to Moses' reluctance to serve as a priest-king (Exodus 4:1-17).