Connecting Point: The One and Only Forever Priest

Priesthood order has long been part of church history, dating directly back to the family line of Aaron (Exodus 28). The Old Testament is marked by a rich history of Levitical Law, customs, and traditions which hold true to this day for Jewish and other religious observers. “Priests” are generally understood to be one who is an agent between humans and God; they often perform certain rites and administer specific sacraments.

The Epistle of Hebrews takes an in-depth view of the priesthood order and customs, one which is worth our consideration today. Let me point you to Hebrews 5:1-6, “Every high priest is selected from among the people and is appointed to represent the people in matters related to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. He is able to deal gently with those who are ignorant and are going astray since he himself is subject to weakness. This is why he has to offer sacrifices for his own sins, as well as for the sins of the people. And no one takes this honor on himself, but he receives it when called by God, just as Aaron was. In the same way, Christ did not take on himself the glory of becoming a high priest. But God said to him, ‘You are my Son; today I have become your Father.’ And he says in another place, ‘You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.’” Here are four questions regarding the text:

One: The question of compassion. Jewish priesthood in its original form was simple, “to represent the people in matters related to God,” but to do so with the understanding that priests are human as well; they were not superior to others. We are all subject to weakness, a matter of sin and

earthly nature. In contrast, we are introduced to Jesus as the compassionate high priest who modeled that “gentleness” thing.

Two: The question of seeking honor. In time the priesthood position, rituals, and ceremonial garb became less about “representing” the people before God and turned into a corrupt system of politics, affluence, and power. The honor was sought for the wrong reasons or motives. A major stumbling block for the Jews was Jesus; he came from the Davidic line not the Aaronic line. According to Hebrews Jesus didn’t take on the honor of becoming a priest, yet it was God who honored him as a priest forever. The contrast is sharp; Aaronic succession was generational but temporary while Jesus’ priesthood via Melchizedek’s was forever, unending.

Three: The question of suffering. Going on in Hebrews 5:7-9 we read of how Jesus suffered, referring to the Garden of Gethsemane. Suffering is a great teacher; it was for Jesus. Often times with us it may be as well.

Four: The question of eternal salvation. The Letter to the Hebrews, you might posit, is a textbook of the authority and son-ship of Jesus Christ. I appreciate David Guzik’s observation, “Some don’t want Jesus to be the author of their salvation. They want to write their own book of salvation. But God won’t read it. Only Jesus can author your eternal salvation.”

The Bible teaches us that Jesus is “the way, the truth and the life,” each of us on this side of the Cross of Calvary can approach God through Jesus, he is our mediator. Until next week, prayerfully yours.