RPG Adults
THE PRIESTHOOD OF MELCHIZEDEK
SATURDAY, AUGUST 3
Hebrews 5:1-10
Exodus 30:10
“… it is most holy unto the LORD.”
THE PRIESTHOOD OF MELCHIZEDEK
In relating to Christ, Hebrews 5:1-10 asserted that Christ did not glorify Himself to be made a high priest. He was appointed to that office by God the Father. Melchizedek comes in to give another picture of Christ. He is called king of Salem and a priest of God. He received tithes from Abraham when he came back from the slaughter of the kings. The Scripture is silent on other details regarding this priest, but that he personally met Abraham, showing that he was a historical person.
The Father said this of Christ, “Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee” (Ps 2:7) and also in another Psalm He said, “… Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek” (Ps 110:4). This priest was before Aaron and is first mentioned in Genesis 14:18. This order of priesthood was different from that of Aaron’s.
Matthew Henry has this to say on this passage: “The apostle prefers Christ before Aaron, both in the manner of his call and in the holiness of his person. In the manner of his call … referring to his eternal generation as God, his wonderful conception as man, and his perfect qualification as Mediator. Thus God solemnly declared his dear affection to Christ, his authoritative appointment of him to the office of a Mediator, his installment and approbation of him in that office, his acceptance of him, and of all he had done or should do in the discharge of it.”
Christ, in the days of His flesh, offered prayers and supplications as did Melchizedek to God.
THOUGHT: Christ is superior to Aaron as seen in Melchizedek.
PRAYER: Father, may I always remember Christ as God the Creator.