Hebrews 7:1-8:6
Introduction:
1. The significance of priesthood cannot be overstated as they stand and mediate between God and humanity (4:14-16; 6:19-20; 7:23-25; 8:3).
2. Having highlighted God’s immutable promises as cause to stand firm in Christ, the writer showed Christ’s priesthood is superior to the one to which they considered returning.
3. We will see six lines of argument for the superiority of His priesthood.
Discussion:
I. The Pattern (7:1-10)
A. Little is known of Melchizedek (Genesis 14:17-20), but he patterns Jesus’ superior priesthood.
B. The writer uses several parallels in his nature:
1. His name= king of righteousness (Isaiah 11:4-5).
2. King of Salem= king of peace (cf. Isaiah 9:6).
3. His priesthood appears without genealogy, unlike the Levitical.
4. He was Abraham’s superior (7:4-7), therefore subordinating Levi’s priesthood (7:8-10).
II. The Necessity (7:11-19)
A. The priesthood, and the law of which it was a part, could not perfect the worshipper (7:11, 18-19).
B. Jesus, though the perfect High Priest, could not serve under the Aaronic order (7:12-14).
C. These two realities necessitated the priesthood and law be changed to usher in a better hope (7:19).
III. The Permanence (7:20-25)
A. This new and superior priesthood was per another oath of God (7:20-21; Psalms 110:4).
B. As the promise to Abraham was immutable, so was the change of priesthood and law (cf. 6:13-20).
C. This establishes the permanence of His priesthood and the intercession He provides His people.
IV. The Perfection (7:26-28)
A. As much superior as the priesthood is, the superiority of the Priest is even greater.
B. Those high priests had to address their own sin before ministering for others (7:27-28; 9:6-7).
C. Our High Priest approaches the Father in sinless perfection (7:26-28; cf. 4:14-16).
V. The Location (8:1-5)
A. Though their work brought atonement (in prospect of His sacrifice), distance from God was still great.
B. Our High Priest sits at the right hand of the throne, ministering in the direct presence of God.
C. In fact, His priesthood necessarily could not be discharged on earth (8:4; 7:11-14).
D. The old priesthood to which they thought to return was a mere copy and shadow of the heavenly reality in Christ (9:23; 10:1; Colossians 2:17).
E. Why give up the substance for the shadow?
VI. The Covenant and Promises (8:6)
A. In light of all the preceding arguments, Christ’s ministry is far superior to theirs.
B. The reason for this conclusion is that the covenant He mediates as High priest is better (cf. 7:22).
C. The covenant is better because the promises on which it rests are better (7:18-19; 9:15; 12:24).
Conclusion:
1. Line by line, the writer vividly portrays the absurdity of returning to the old system.
2. Through our great High Priest, we can draw near to God in ways far better than they could under the Levitical priesthood (7:18-19; 2:14-15; 4:14-16; 10:19-22).
3. Why would we ever ponder leaving this eternally rich and rewarding relationship?
Further Food for Thought
1. Have you ever failed to cherish something until you let it go?
2. Do you suppose this is why so many people are leaving the faith in Christ?
3. How can we more deeply instill appreciation for this beautiful arrangement, purchased at the cost of the suffering, death, and shed blood of Jesus?