The Story of Jesus He Is a Priest after the Order of Melchisedec (Lesson 70)
Introduction:
1. According to 2 Peter 3:18, we are to grow in the knowledge of Christ. 2. Searching the Scriptures is the key to achieving this growth (John 5:39). 3. Although the Gospels do not contain specific information concerning the Lord's priesthood, much is written in Hebrews about this important subject. a. In Hebrews 3:1 Jesus is identified as our High Priest. b. He is described as a great High Priest in Hebrews 4:14. c. We learn from Hebrews 5:5-6 that He is a Priest after the order of Melchisedec. 4. In our lesson we are examining the passages that teach us what we need to know about the relationship between Christ and Melchisedec.
Discussion:
I. MELCHIZEDEK IS FIRST MENTIONED IN GENESIS 14
A. As this chapter begins, one group of kings fought another group of kings. B. The king of Sodom was involved. C. We learn from vs.11-12 that Sodom was looted, and Lot was captured. D. Abram rescued Lot (vs.13, 16). E. The king of Sodom met Abram (vs.17), but Abram refused his offer (vs.21-24). F. (vs.18-20) Melchizedek met Abram. 1. (vs.18) Melchizedek was the king of Salem and the priest of God. 2. Melchizedek: a. fed Abram (vs.18) b. blessed Abram (vs.19) c. blessed God (vs.20a). 3. (vs.20b) Abram paid tithes to Melchizedek.
II. MELCHIZEDEK IS ALSO MENTIONED IN PSALM 110
A. In this Psalm David recorded several statements that God made to Christ. B. The statement in vs.1 is quoted several times in the New Testament. C. The statement in vs.4 is an oath made by God -- Christ is "a Priest for ever after the order of Melchizedek."
III. MELCHISEDEC IS MENTIONED 9 TIMES IN HEBREWS
A. Hebrews shows that the statement in Psalm 110:4 was about Christ (5:5-6, 8-10; 6:19-20). B. The discussion of Melchisedec in 7:1-24 shows why the Lord's priesthood is so great. 1. Under the Law of Moses, the priests came from the tribe of Levi, the great-grandson of Abraham. 2. Jesus came from the tribe of Judah, the tribe of kings. 3. To be King of kings, it was necessary for Jesus to come from Judah. 4. To be Priest, it was necessary for Jesus to be called after a different order -- the order of Melchisedec.
Conclusion:
1. Comparing Christ and Melchisedec leads us to conclude that Jesus is "a great High Priest" (Hebrews 4:14a). 2. The way this affects us is revealed in Hebrews 4:14b.
