The Priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ

The priesthood of the Lord Jesus Christ under the order of Melchizedek is a central theme in the book of Hebrews and is crucial in understanding the unique and eternal role of Jesus as a mediator between God and humanity.

1. Melchizedek: A Mysterious Figure

Melchizedek, introduced in Genesis 14:18-20, is a mysterious figure who meets Abraham after his victory over several kings. He is described as both the "king of Salem" (king of peace) and "priest of the most high God." Melchizedek’s dual role as both king and priest sets him apart from later priests in the Levitical line, who were not kings.

• Genesis 14:18: "And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God."

What is notable about Melchizedek is that there is no recorded genealogy or end to his priesthood, which the book of Hebrews highlights as symbolizing an eternal and superior priesthood.

2. Christ’s Priesthood in the Order of Melchizedek

In Hebrews 5-7, the author develops the idea that Jesus is a priest in the order of Melchizedek, not in the Levitical order of Aaron. This is significant for several reasons:

• Hebrews 5:6: "As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."

• Hebrews 7:16-17: "Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life. For he testifieth, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."

Key Differences:

• Eternal Priesthood: Unlike the Levitical priests, whose ministry was temporary and bound by genealogy, Christ’s priesthood is eternal, "after the power of an endless life" (Hebrews 7:16). Melchizedek’s lack of recorded lineage prefigures this eternal and unchanging priesthood.

• Superior Sacrifice: Levitical priests offered sacrifices repeatedly for their sins and the sins of the people. In contrast, Jesus offered Himself once for all, fulfilling and perfecting what the old sacrifices could never do (Hebrews 7:27; Hebrews 9:12).

• A Better Covenant: Jesus, as a priest after the order of Melchizedek, is also the mediator of a new and better covenant (Hebrews 8:6). The old covenant, mediated by the Levitical priesthood, depended on continual sacrifices. The new covenant, through Christ’s priesthood, is based on His once-for-all sacrifice.

3. Significance of Jesus’ Priesthood

• Mediator Between God and Man: As a priest in the order of Melchizedek, Jesus serves as the perfect mediator between God and man. Unlike the Levitical priests who had to offer sacrifices for their sins, Christ is sinless and thus able to perfectly represent humanity before God.

  • Hebrews 7:26: "For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens."

• Eternal Intercession: One of the profound aspects of Christ’s priesthood is His ongoing role in interceding for believers. Just as Melchizedek’s priesthood had no end recorded, Jesus "ever liveth to make intercession" for those who come to God through Him (Hebrews 7:25).

• A King-Priest: Melchizedek was both a king and a priest, and Jesus similarly unites these two roles. He is not only the great high priest but also the king of kings, who rules over His people with righteousness and peace. This combination makes His priesthood all the more powerful and significant.

4. Implications for Believers

The priesthood of Jesus under the order of Melchizedek carries deep theological and practical implications for believers:

• Full Access to God: Through Jesus, believers now have direct access to God’s throne of grace without needing earthly mediators, as He is the eternal high priest who continually intercedes for us.

  • Hebrews 4:14-16: "Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession… Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

• Assurance of Salvation: Christ’s eternal priesthood guarantees the permanence of our salvation. Because His priesthood will never end, neither will His work of intercession and advocacy on our behalf.

  • Hebrews 7:24-25: "But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him."

The priesthood of Jesus Christ after the order of Melchizedek signifies a superior, eternal, and perfect ministry. Unlike the Levitical priests, Jesus’ priesthood is based on His sinless life, perfect sacrifice, and eternal nature. For believers, this means direct access to God, a secure and unchanging salvation, and the assurance of Christ’s ongoing intercession. The order of Melchizedek points to a priesthood that transcends the limitations of the old covenant and establishes Christ as the ultimate and eternal High Priest.

Who is Melchizedek?

Melchizedek is a unique figure in the Bible for several reasons, each of which contributes to the profound significance of his priesthood and its foreshadowing of Jesus Christ's eternal priesthood.

1. Dual Role as Priest and King

Melchizedek is one of the only figures in the Bible who is both a priest and a king. He is introduced in Genesis 14:18-20 as the "king of Salem" (which means peace) and a "priest of the Most High God." This dual role is significant because, under the Mosaic Law, the offices of priest and king were kept separate. Kings came from the tribe of Judah, while priests came from the tribe of Levi (descendants of Aaron).

• Genesis 14:18: "And Melchizedek king of Salem brought forth bread and wine: and he was the priest of the most high God."

This combination of roles is later mirrored in Jesus Christ, who is both the King of Kings and the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. His kingship and priesthood reflect an all-encompassing role of both ruling with righteousness and interceding for humanity.

2. No Recorded Genealogy

Melchizedek is introduced suddenly in Genesis 14 without any mention of his parentage, birth, or death. This lack of genealogy sets him apart from most biblical figures, especially priests, who usually trace their lineage to establish legitimacy. This mysterious absence is significant because it symbolizes the eternal and unchanging nature of his priesthood.

• Hebrews 7:3: "Without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually."

The author of Hebrews uses this aspect of Melchizedek to argue that his priesthood, and by extension, Christ’s priesthood, is not limited by time or human lineage. Jesus, as a priest in the order of Melchizedek, holds an eternal, non-transferrable priesthood, unlike the Levitical priests who served temporarily and were succeeded by others due to death.

3. Priest of the Most High God Before the Mosaic Law

Melchizedek’s priesthood is unique because he serves as a priest of the “Most High God” long before the establishment of the Levitical priesthood under the Law of Moses. His priesthood pre-dates and transcends the later system of sacrifices and offerings instituted through Aaron’s line. This pre-Mosaic priesthood shows that Melchizedek's ministry was universal, not bound by Israel’s national law, further pointing to Jesus, whose priesthood is for all nations and peoples.

• Hebrews 7:1: "For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him."

4. Melchizedek's Blessing of Abraham

Another unique aspect of Melchizedek is his blessing of Abraham. In Genesis 14:19, he blesses Abraham after his victory over several kings and receives a tithe from him. This act of blessing is significant because it indicates Melchizedek’s spiritual superiority. Even though Abraham is considered the father of faith and the progenitor of Israel, he humbly receives a blessing from Melchizedek and offers him a tithe.

• Genesis 14:19-20: "And he blessed him, and said, Blessed be Abram of the most high God, possessor of heaven and earth: And blessed be the most high God, which hath delivered thine enemies into thy hand. And he gave him tithes of all."

This event demonstrates that Melchizedek was greater than Abraham, a point later emphasized in Hebrews 7:7: "And without all contradiction the less is blessed of the better." The writer of Hebrews uses this to show that the Melchizedekian priesthood, and by extension Christ’s priesthood, is superior to the Levitical priesthood that came through Abraham's descendants.

5. Type of Christ

Melchizedek serves as a "type" or foreshadowing of Jesus Christ. His life, as described in the Scriptures, mirrors several key aspects of Christ’s role as our eternal high priest:

• Eternal Priesthood: Melchizedek’s lack of recorded genealogy or death points to an eternal priesthood, which is fulfilled in Jesus.
  • Hebrews 7:16: "Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life."
• Peace and Righteousness: As the king of Salem (peace) and a priest, Melchizedek embodies both peace and righteousness, qualities that are perfectly realized in Christ’s kingdom and priesthood.
  • Hebrews 7:2: "First being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King of Salem, which is, King of peace."

Summary

Melchizedek is unique for several reasons:

• He holds both kingly and priestly roles, which prefigures Jesus Christ.
• His lack of recorded genealogy points to the eternal nature of his priesthood.
• He blesses Abraham, signifying the superiority of his priesthood.
• His priesthood is universal, not tied to the law of Moses, making it a precursor to Christ’s eternal and universal priesthood.

These elements set Melchizedek apart and make him a profound and mysterious figure in biblical theology, symbolizing the eternal, perfect, and non-hierarchical priesthood that is fulfilled in Jesus Christ.

Melchizedek Order Is About 

Service and Quality

The Melchizedek priesthood emphasizes service, sacrificial love, and the eternal quality of ministry. It breaks away from hierarchical concepts and instead focuses on a self-giving, servant-like approach to ministry. Jesus, the High Priest in the order of Melchizedek, perfectly embodies this through His eternal intercession and once-for-all sacrifice. Rather than seeking status or rank, those who follow in this priestly example are called to serve with humility, compassion, and a commitment to spiritual excellence.

The Melchizedek priesthood is distinct from traditional notions of priesthood, especially regarding hierarchical structures. While some ministries are fascinated with the hierarchical elements of priesthood, it's crucial to understand that the order of Melchizedek is not about rank or humanly defined authority. Instead, it emphasizes service, quality, and the eternal nature of Christ's priesthood.

1. Focus on Service, Not Rank

• Christ's example of service: Jesus, as the high priest in the order of Melchizedek, emphasized humility and service over hierarchical rank. The key principle He taught His disciples was servanthood:

  • Matthew 20:26-28: "But it shall not be so among you: but whosoever will be great among you, let him be your minister; And whosoever will be chief among you, let him be your servant: Even as the Son of man came not to be ministered unto, but to minister, and to give his life a ransom for many."

  This reinforces that the priesthood of Jesus is about serving others sacrificially, not asserting authority or control.

• Melchizedek’s ministry: The figure of Melchizedek in Genesis 14:18-20 is a king and priest who serves by blessing Abraham, not by commanding or ruling over him. His actions symbolize the priesthood of service, interceding on behalf of the people to God and offering spiritual nourishment.

2. Quality of Priesthood

• Perfection and Holiness: The quality of the Melchizedekian priesthood is seen in its eternal, perfect, and sinless nature. Unlike the Levitical priests who had to offer sacrifices repeatedly, Jesus offered Himself once, a perfect and eternal sacrifice. His priesthood was defined by His perfection and holiness, not by hierarchical status or ritual performance.

  • Hebrews 7:26-27: "For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens; Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people’s: for this he did once, when he offered up himself."

  This perfect quality surpasses the flawed, temporary service of the Levitical priesthood, showing that the emphasis is on the quality of the sacrifice and the eternal nature of the ministry, not on hierarchical order or succession.

3. Eternal Nature of the Priesthood

• Eternal, Unchanging Service: Jesus' priesthood is described as eternal, unlike the Levitical priests whose service was temporary and passed through generations. This points to a priesthood that is based on enduring service to humanity and an unchanging intercession before God.

  • Hebrews 7:24-25: "But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him, seeing he ever liveth to make intercession for them."

  Here, the continuity of Christ's service is the focus—not a ladder of priestly ranks. Jesus is continually at work, interceding for believers, and this eternal service is the defining feature of His priesthood.

4. Priesthood of All Believers

• Not a Priestly Hierarchy: One of the revolutionary aspects of the New Testament is the doctrine of the "priesthood of all believers." This teaching affirms that all Christians have access to God through Jesus Christ, without needing an intermediary human priesthood. Every believer is called to serve, intercede, and offer spiritual sacrifices to God through Christ.

  • 1 Peter 2:9: "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light."

  This idea emphasizes equality in Christ, where all believers share in the priestly function of service, prayer, and worship, regardless of human distinctions of hierarchy.

5. Comparison with Levitical Priesthood

The Levitical priesthood was centered on hierarchy, succession, and specific duties. It involved layers of rank—high priests, regular priests, and Levites—with each group having distinct roles in temple service. However, the order of Melchizedek is distinct from this, as it:

• Is not hereditary: Unlike the Levitical priesthood that passed from one generation to the next, Jesus' priesthood is not based on lineage. He is a priest by divine appointment and by the power of an endless life, not by descent.
  • Hebrews 7:16: "Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life."
• Transcends human structures: The Melchizedekian priesthood operates outside the bounds of human hierarchy. It is divine in origin and eternal in nature, with Jesus as the sole and supreme high priest, whose service continues forever.

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Difference Between Melchizedek Order 

and Levitical Order of Priesthood

The priesthood of Jesus Christ, after the order of Melchizedek, differs from the Levitical priesthood in several key ways. These differences reflect the transition from the Old Covenant, which was based on the Levitical system, to the New Covenant, which is mediated through Christ.

1. Eternal vs. Temporary Priesthood

• Levitical Priesthood: The Levitical priests were descendants of Aaron and served under the Mosaic Law. Their priesthood was temporary because it was passed down through genealogies, and each priest's term ended with death.
  • Hebrews 7:23: "And they truly were many priests, because they were not suffered to continue by reason of death."
• Melchizedekian Priesthood: Jesus' priesthood, like that of Melchizedek, is eternal and unchangeable. There is no record of Melchizedek's death or succession, symbolizing an unending priesthood.
  • Hebrews 7:24-25: "But this man, because he continueth ever, hath an unchangeable priesthood. Wherefore he is able also to save them to the uttermost that come unto God by him."

2. A Superior Sacrifice

• Levitical Priesthood: Levitical priests offered repeated sacrifices for their own sins and the sins of the people. These sacrifices were imperfect and had to be offered continually.

  • Hebrews 10:1-3: "For the law having a shadow of good things to come...can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect."

• Melchizedekian Priesthood: Jesus offered Himself as a single, perfect sacrifice for all time. His sacrifice was complete and fully sufficient, eliminating the need for repeated offerings.

  • Hebrews 7:27: "Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's: for this he did once, when he offered up himself."

3. A Different Basis of Appointment

• Levitical Priesthood: Levitical priests were appointed based on their ancestry and obedience to the Mosaic Law. Only descendants of Aaron could serve as priests, and their authority came through the Law.

  • Exodus 28:1: "And take thou unto thee Aaron thy brother, and his sons with him...that he may minister unto me in the priest's office."

• Melchizedekian Priesthood: Jesus’ priesthood is not based on ancestry but on the power of an eternal life. His priesthood was ordained by God's oath and promise, making it superior to the Levitical system.

  • Hebrews 7:16-17: "Who is made, not after the law of a carnal commandment, but after the power of an endless life."

4. A New Covenant

• Levitical Priesthood: The Levitical priests served under the Old Covenant, which was conditional and required continual sacrifices to maintain the people’s relationship with God. This covenant was based on the Law and could never fully perfect or cleanse the people.

  • Hebrews 8:7: "For if that first covenant had been faultless, then should no place have been sought for the second."

• Melchizedekian Priesthood: Jesus mediates a new and better covenant, established on better promises. His covenant is eternal, offering complete forgiveness of sins and a restored relationship with God.

  • Hebrews 8:6: "But now hath he obtained a more excellent ministry, by how much also he is the mediator of a better covenant, which was established upon better promises."

5. Holiness and Perfection

• Levitical Priesthood: The Levitical priests themselves were imperfect and had to offer sacrifices for their own sins before they could minister on behalf of the people. Their service was a constant reminder of the people's need for cleansing.

  • Hebrews 7:27: "Who needeth not daily, as those high priests, to offer up sacrifice, first for his own sins, and then for the people's."

• Melchizedekian Priesthood: Jesus is a sinless and perfect high priest who did not need to offer sacrifices for Himself. His holiness makes Him uniquely qualified to offer a perfect and final sacrifice for humanity.

  • Hebrews 7:26: "For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens."

6. Direct Access to God

• Levitical Priesthood: Under the Levitical system, access to God was limited. Only the high priest could enter the Holy of Holies, and that only once a year, to offer a sacrifice on behalf of the people.

  • Leviticus 16:2: "And the Lord said unto Moses, Speak unto Aaron thy brother, that he come not at all times into the holy place within the vail before the mercy seat, which is upon the ark; that he die not."

• Melchizedekian Priesthood: Through Jesus, believers have direct access to God at all times. His once-for-all sacrifice tore the veil, granting unrestricted access to the presence of God.

  • Hebrews 4:16: "Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need."

Summary

The priesthood of Jesus under the order of Melchizedek is vastly different from the Levitical priesthood. It is eternal, perfect, and based on an unchangeable covenant. Jesus’ priesthood provides direct access to God, offers a once-for-all sacrifice, and is grounded not in the law but in the power of an endless life. This priesthood is central to the New Covenant, which surpasses the limitations of the Old Covenant and provides a permanent solution to the problem of sin.