RPG Adults
THE SUPERIORITY OF MELCHIZEDEK
MONDAY, AUGUST 19
Hebrews 7:1-10
Numbers 18:2
“I have given the children of Levi
all the tenth in Israel …”
THE SUPERIORITY OF MELCHIZEDEK
The Jews were agreeable to the assertions of the Messiah in the Old Testament. However they had difficulty accepting that Jesus had indeed come to fulfil those Scriptures. John 8 represents the general position of the Jewish community regarding Jesus. They argued and in the end they took up stones to stone Him. Jesus had credible arguments but they were still not convinced.
The Epistle to the Hebrews was written to the Jews who were already believers but they needed this teaching to consolidate their faith. They were prepared to give answers to those who would ask them. They could not defend their faith without the full knowledge of Scriptures.
Melchizedek was a great man and Abraham recognized this and Abraham showed submission when he gave tithes to him. Although this was long before the formal institution of the office of a priest, the concept of priesthood had existed from the beginning. Abel’s offering was an act of worship and every generation after that did the same. There is more that Abraham knew of the priesthood, though not revealed in Scripture. That spontaneous act in Genesis 14 and his giving of tithes tells more of the religion of that day. The sons of Levi received the priesthood pioneered by Aaron. These also received tithes from the people. The service of these priests is clearly spelled out in the Mosaic Law and the Jews were very familiar with this. They were their brethren and came out of the loins of Abraham. Melchizedek was not from the line of Levi, but his priesthood was superior. Numbers 18:21 and 26 spoke of them receiving tithes and also offering up a heave offering of what they received. Melchizedek was above all. His priesthood did not continue visibly in the everyday life of Israel but he is said to be an eternal priest.
THOUGHT: The Levitical priesthood was a type of the eternal priesthood of Christ and served its purpose.
PRAYER: May Jesus Christ be praised in my lips as my Lord and Mediator. I pray in His name.