Hebrews 7. Two days ago, we reflected on what it meant when the author of Hebrews said Jesus was the Great High Priest. Today we return to the discussion of the priesthood and an extensive comparison between two different priesthoods and systems because – remember this – Jesus is better and there is a whole new system for how we relate to God. That’s the whole point of the letter to the Hebrews.

I could tackle the “Who was Melchizedek?” question, but that least 30 pages and we still would not have all the answers because the Old Testament does not give us much information. Instead, I would like to draw your attention to two comparisons – two significant changes in how we relate to God:

First, for on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weaknesses and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect) (7:18-19). The old Levitical priesthood could not perfect the people of God in the sense of making them sinless or bringing them into an eternal relationship with God. The whole system of purification, sacrifices, and ritual worship given by Moses could not achieve that goal. The Levitical priesthood and sacrificial system have been set aside and replaced by something better.

Jesus became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek (5:9-10). Jesus is the new high priest of a different and better system.
He holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever (7:24).
He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him (7:25).
He always lives to make intercession for them (7:25).
He is a high priest who is holy, innocent, unstained, separated from sinners, and exalted above the heavens (7:26).

There is no need to offer sacrifices daily (7:27) because the work of Jesus was complete and brought an end to the whole Levitical priesthood and sacrificial system. Yay!! No more dead sheep and goats and sprinkling of blood all the time!!

The second comparison is that this makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant (7:22). The new and better covenant will be the topic of Hebrews 8-10!

I am quite happy we are not sacrificing animals every day to atone for our sins. I am also delighted that we can draw near to God directly, confidently, and permanently because of the priestly ministry of Jesus. He is seated at the right hand of God in heaven, always living to make intercession for us. A better hope has been introduced, by which we can draw near to God.