Hebrews 07:01-10 The Greatness of Melchizedek

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Text: Hebrews 7:1-10

Introduction

1. Thus far in our study, we have seen the writer mention Melchizedek

a. That Jesus is a priest after the order of Melchizedek – Hebrews 5:9-10; 6:20

b. It has only been a brief mention, for the dullness of the readers required a necessary digression – Hebrews 5:11-6:20

2. But now the writer returns to his theme concerning Melchizedek, in which he:

a. Establishes the greatness of Melchizedek – Hebrews 7:1-10

b. Shows the significance of Melchizedek’s priesthood – Hebrews 7:11-19

c. Thereby illustrating the greatness of Christ’s priesthood – Hebrews 7:20-28

3. Since this subject is meat compared to the milk of the Word:

a. We want to approach it slowly and carefully

b. Allowing ourselves to slowly digest what is said in this seventh chapter of Hebrews

Body

I. THE HISTORY OF MELCHIZEDEK (Hebrews 7:1-3)

A. THE HISTORICAL RECORD AS FOUND IN GENESIS 14

1. We first read of The Battle Of The Kings – Genesis 14:1-11

2. In which Lot is captured, and then rescued by Abram (Abraham) – Genesis 14:12-17

3. Upon his return, Abram is met by Melchizedek – Genesis 14:18

a. Who is king of Salem

b. Who is also the priest of God Most High

4. In this meeting, two things happen:

a. Melchizedek blesses Abram (Abraham) – Genesis 14:19

b. Abram pays tithes to Melchizedek – Genesis 14:20b

B. IN REFERRING TO MELCHIZEDEK, THE AUTHOR OF HEBREWS

1. Summarizes the events in Hebrews 7:1-2

a. How Melchizedek met Abraham and blessed him

b. How Abraham gave a tenth part of all to Melchizedek

2. Explains the meaning of his name and title – Hebrews 7:2

a. The name Melchizedek means king of righteousness

b. The title king of Salem means king of peace

3. Makes some intriguing statements about Melchizedek

a. without father, without mother, without genealogy

b. having neither beginning of days nor end of life

c. made like the Son of God

d. remains a priest continually

C. WHO IS THIS MELCHIZEDEK?

1. He was simply a man, but because he appears suddenly in Scripture as a priest:

a. With no mention of parentage or genealogy

b. With no mention of his birth or death

c. With only a mention of him as a priest of God Most High

d. That he is a type of Christ, and what His priesthood would be like

II. THE SIGNIFICANCE OF MELCHIZEDEK (Hebrews 7:4-10)

A. MELCHIZEDEK RECEIVED TITHES FROM ABRAHAM (Hebrews 7:4-6a)

1. Abraham paid a tenth to Melchizedek

2. Just as the nation of Israel would later pay a tenth to the sons of Levi

3. Thus Abraham, great as he was, showed his deference to Melchizedek

B. MELCHIZEDEK BLESSED ABRAHAM (6b-7)

1. Melchizedek blessed him who had the promises (Abraham)

2. There is no dispute that the lesser is blessed by the better

3. Thus Melchizedek is clearly better than Abraham

C. MELCHIZEDEK’S SERVICE WAS NOT AFFECTED BY DEATH (Hebrews 7:8)

1. In the priesthood under the Jewish system tithes were received by mortal men (whose service ended at death)

2. But it has been witnessed that Melchizedek lives (remains a priest continually Hebrews 7:3)

3. How he lives and remains a priest continually, the Bible does not say

4. But in this way Melchizedek is greater than the Levitical priests

D. EVEN LEVI PAID TITHES TO MELCHIZEDEK (Hebrews 7:9-10)

1. Levi was in the loins of his father Abraham when Melchizedek met him

2. Thus Levi, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, so to speak

3. Again illustrating the greatness of Melchizedek, as one greater than Levi!

Conclusion

1. There is a lot more I wish I knew about Melchizedek

a. I would love to know where he came from, and how he came to be priest of God Most High

b. And how does he remain a priest continually?

2. But what I do know is this

a. Jesus is a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek, as God swore He would be in Psalm 110:4

b. And that Melchizedek is clearly presented to be greater than Abraham and Levi!

3. Understanding the greatness of Melchizedek helps prepare us to appreciate the superiority of Christ’s priesthood over the Levitical priesthood, which we will consider later