1) What’s a word picture? How are word pictures used to describe something we don’t quite understand?
2) What’s something you were trying to accomplish that took your making a change in order for you to be successful? What’s a change you need to make now for something to work out?
3) Name an accomplishment that you are especially proud of. What did it take for you to complete this?
We have heard about Melchizedek since Chapter 5. Now we are finally made aware of who he was. Melchizedek lived during the time of Abraham. He was “king of Salem and priest of God Most High.” But most importantly for us, he was picture of a future king-priest – Jesus. “Jesus, who went before us, has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 6:20
The Law and its priests would never be able to accomplish restoring us to God. That was a system that would continue forever without any other result. So something different was necessary; another priest from another order (7:11). So after years and years of Aaron’s ancestors, Jesus comes in the order of Melchizedek (7:17). The Law proved itself weak and useless (7:18), but Jesus made it possible for us to draw near to God (7:19).
Every attempt by man to become right with God has ended unsuccessfully. Even the priests of the Old Testament died before restoration could happen (7:23). But Jesus “is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them (7:24-25).” We are completely saved! All the work of restoration has been completed.
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