City Life Starter

Written by Nate Warren

The Word

⁴ See how great this man was to whom Abraham the patriarch gave a tenth of the spoils! ⁵ And those descendants of Levi who receive the priestly office have a commandment in the law to take tithes from the people, that is, from their brothers, though these also are descended from Abraham. ⁶ But this man who does not have his descent from them received tithes from Abraham and blessed him who had the promises. ⁷ It is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior. ⁸ In the one case tithes are received by mortal men, but in the other case, by one of whom it is testified that he lives. ⁹ One might even say that Levi himself, who receives tithes, paid tithes through Abraham, ¹⁰ for he was still in the loins of his ancestor when Melchizedek met him.

Hebrews 7:4-10

Reflection

This chapter narrows in on the relationship between the Levitical priesthood, established under Moses, and the Melchizedekian priesthood, which the scriptures leave open-ended – not having a defined beginning or end. The first hearers of this book were followers of Jesus, but they were also Jewish by heritage and culture. Today’s section explains how Abraham humbled himself before the king-priest Melchizedek, giving a tenth of everything he had to him and accepting a blessing from him–showing Melchizedek to be greater than Abraham and his offspring. In verse 8, it’s even hinted that, perhaps, this Melchizedek is an eternal being, pointing ahead to the One Who lives — Jesus.

Bottom line – Melchizedek is a priest of God of a higher order than even the High Priest of Israel. We no longer rely on the intersession of mortal men to have peace with God, because the risen Jesus intercedes for us eternally.

Application

How can you show your gratitude for such a perfect High Priest?

Prayer

Father,
Only Jesus could fully identify as God and also as one of us. I am grateful that Jesus is our mediator and High Priest.
Amen.