Abide

Read Hebrews 4:14-16, Hebrews 5:1-10

Jesus is a priest like no other. To show this, the author of Hebrews writes to shows Jesus’ humanity yet shows how Jesus does not fail as humans do. Jesus came to earth and while he was on earth he lived a perfect life, yet was tempted in the same manner in which all people are tempted. He had the same weaknesses that men have, yet was not succumbed to them. He was humbled, and did not exalt himself to the position of high priest, yet God chose him to be high priest. He was the Son of God, but learned obedience through his suffering. In every way Jesus was human, but he did fail as humans do.

Jesus’ was also rather unique in another way. The author of Hebrews calls a priest in the “order of Melchizedek.” Melchizedek is an obscure character mentioned only in Genesis 14:18-19 and not much is known about him.  But nevertheless the little that is known has huge implications. First, he is king of a town called Salem and a priest of the Most High God – a priest-king that is unlike the traditional priesthood where these were two separate roles. Second, priests usually had to be descendants of Aaron in order to be named priest, but Melchizedek was not. Being in order of Melchizedek allows for non-Aaronic priests such as Jesus, who was a descendant of Judah. (Hebrews 7:14 – Hebrews 6 and Hebrews 7 expounds on this more). The author of Hebrews builds on this further, saying that Jesus is a priest-king “forever”. Psalms 2 establishes that Jesus is a King of kings in that he will receive the nations as his inheritance. Psalm 110 establishes that Jesus is a priest “forever” in the order of Melchizedek, not a temporary priest as those who were of the Aaronic priesthood.

Having Jesus has a priest-king whose reign is eternal means that there is no longer a need for human to fulfill the role of high priest. People can draw near to God with confidence and plead for the grace and mercy at the throne of grace in their time a need. In reality, Christians and the whole world are constantly in need of grace. Jesus sympathizes with weaknesses, yet he himself does not grow weary as a man does. For this reason, Christians can call on him at any time and call on him at all times because his reign and term as priest will never end.

Lord, help me find mercy and grace in my time of need!