Jesus' High Priesthood
Gary DeLashmutt
Hebrews 7:1-19
Defending the priesthood of Christ, the author of Hebrews mentions Melchizedek. The significance of this character is that the Old Testament taught that the Messiah would be from a priesthood older than the Levitical priesthood. Melchizedek is only mentioned in this passage, Genesis 14, and Psalm 110, which all point to him being a priest and the Messiah's relation to him. The Old Testament taught that the Messiah would replace the Levitical priesthood. With this replacement came a new and better way to relate to God--one that includes confidence in God's acceptance, relational closeness with God, and the same intimacy with others who know God.