Jesus is a Superior Priest in the Line of Melchizedek

Main Text:

Hebrews 4:14–16

[14] Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. [15] For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathize with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. [16] Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (ESV)

Hebrews 5:1–10

[1] For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. [2] He can deal gently with the ignorant and wayward, since he himself is beset with weakness. [3] Because of this he is obligated to offer sacrifice for his own sins just as he does for those of the people. [4] And no one takes this honor for himself, but only when called by God, just as Aaron was [5] So also Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; [6] as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” [7] In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. [8] Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. [9] And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, [10] being designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek. (ESV)

Introduction:

• This passage brings up several big questions
• Why do we need a priesthood?
• Who is Melchizedek?
• Why is Jesus described as a priest in Melchizedek’s line instead of the regular order of priests?
• How did Jesus “learn obedience”? How does the humanity of Jesus and the deity of Jesus work?

Why do we need a priesthood?

• Because God is holy and
• Because we are not - we are sinners and are separated from God
• A priest was required to mediate between sinful man and a holy God
• Isaiah 59:2 - But your iniquities have made a separation between you and your God, And your sins have hidden His face from you so that He does not hear.

The spiritual life of Jesus

• His prayer life as a priest
• [7] In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to him who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverence. [8] Although he was a son, he learned obedience through what he suffered. [9] And being made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation to all who obey him, 
• The author gives us great insight into the life of Jesus and glimpses into his prayer life.
• Varieties of Prayer:
  • Here is a long list of the varieties of prayer that we can engage in. There are as many types of prayers as there are shades of human emotion, but generally speaking, some of these shades take on a more pronounced methodical nuance in the way we pray. 
    • The Lord’s prayer
    • Audacious prayers
    • Adoration
    • Celebration
    • Intercession
    • Supplication
    • Confession
    • Thanksgiving
    • Worship
    • Crying out
    • Praying scripture
    • Provisional prayer
    • Routine prayer
    • Straight path prayer (praying over your schedule, events, calendar, etc.)
    • Questioning prayer
    • Corporate prayer
    • Congregational prayer
    • Small group prayer
    • Waiting prayer
    • Seeking prayer
    • Skeptical prayer (“if” you’re out there…)
    • Discerning the Lord’s will prayer
    • Wrestling with God prayer
    • Flare gun prayer
    • Listening prayer
    • Conversational prayer
    • Missional prayer
    • Prayer walking (Paul in Acts 18)
    • Defiant prayer (Daniel)
    • Earnest prayer
    • Desperate prayer
    • Prayers of despair and hopelessness
    • Long term prayer (Luke 18:1)
    • Determined prayer
    • Prayers of faith
    • Prayer for healing
    • Prayers of trust and resting in God
    • Prayers for deliverance
    • Prayers of repentance
    • Prayers for salvation
    • Prayers of submission and obedience
    • Prayers of struggle
    • Prayers of dedication (Solomon at the temple)
    • Prayers of blessing
    • Praying for government 
    • Parental prayer
    • Journaling prayer
    • Silent prayer
    • Prayer on your knees
    • Prostrate prayer
    • Standing prayer
    • Imprecatory prayers
    • Relational prayer

The order of Melchizedek

• Genesis 14 - Melchizedek is first mentioned here after the slaughter of the kings.
• Psalm 110 - David writes about Melchizedek here in Psalm 110 which is also quoted in Hebrews
• Hebrews 7 carries on the message about Melchizedek - no lineage, no genealogy - without beginning or end
• Melchi - means “king”
• Zedek - means “righteous”
• King of Salem - Salem means “peace”