Connecting Point: The Mystery Man

Who in the world is Melchizedek and why does this matter? Well, in only three books of the Bible, a very big book that happens to have been edited over 10,000 times, more than any other book in the World, this side of eternity, do we find Melchizedek mentioned—Genesis 14, Psalms 110, and Hebrews 5-7. Melchizedek is controversial, should I say. I will say, I probably won’t be settling the matter. However, this specific debate gets us sidetracked from the entire premise presented throughout the Epistle of Hebrews; Jesus is the greatest and highest priest forever, he intercedes for all humanity.

The Jewish religious and perhaps more importantly cultural background is significant in helping us understand the text; large numbers of Jews were converting to Christianity in the first century. Thus, at the time when Hebrews were penned some of the new converts were worried. Being raised in this rich tradition of placing high honor of former Jewish patriarchs and Levitical customs (which promoted the order of Aaronic priesthood) succession put these early Christians in a difficult position. Should they continue to follow Jesus or go back to their roots in Judaism? The Hebrew author makes a very compelling argument in a language and tradition they understood, dropping significant names and practices.

“This Melchizedek was king of Salem and priest of God Most High. He met Abraham returning from the defeat of the kings and blessed him, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. First, the name Melchizedek means ‘king of righteousness’; then also, ‘king of Salem’ means ‘king of peace.’ Without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever,”

(Hebrews 7:1-3).

Hebrews continues on, pointing out that Abraham even gave a tithe to Melchizedek after receiving a blessing. Furthermore, Melchizedek has no lineage traced to the Levites. Why all this fuss? All the genealogy and historical background made the case that Christ is superior to Aaron because Melchizedek is superior to Abraham. It was a bottom line then, and it is now. Jesus’ prominence sets him apart from any other being in history. “Now there have been many of those priests since death prevented them from continuing in office; but because Jesus lives forever, he has a permanent priesthood. Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them,”

(Hebrews 7:23-25).

Debate if you will? Who was Melchizedek? Rather than getting caught up in solving the mystery as true followers of Jesus, I hope Christians are

awestruck by the very majesty of Christ. Intellectual hang-ups can stifle one’s spiritual maturity, secular one, Jewish legal, or Christian proud. Hebrews presents to these wavering followers (and down to us) with credentials that resonate to the core of their religious training. However, no amount of

training leads to faith, in and by itself.

To the Jews, a Levite priest was their stand-in before the Almighty God, Melchizedek; but, all priests succumb to death in time. On the other hand, Jesus became the High Priest forever; always interceding for those who are redeemed, an invitation was given to all nations and people groups. That

brings us back to the title. The Mystery Man, our Hebrews Epistle directs us, points to Jesus.