Jesus- The Forever Priest- Hebrews 7:17 ESV

17 For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

In Genesis Chapter 14, Abram, later named Abraham, encountered a priest of God named Melchizedek. Who this priest was is a mystery. Some say he was the pre-incarnate Christ. Others disagree. He is a mysterious man who appears out of nowhere in Genesis chapter 14 and disappear as quickly as he appeared.

What is known about him is that he was a priest of God many years before God had established the Levitical priesthood. When God established the Levitical priesthood, every priest had to be from the tribe of Levi. Jesus, however, was from the tribe of Judah (the kingly tribe). Therefore, Jesus was made a high priest by God in the order of Melchizedek.

Unlike the high priests in the Levitical priesthood, Jesus did not have to offer a sacrifice for his sins because he committed no sin. In addition, instead of offering an animal sacrifice to God, Jesus offered Himself as God’s sacrifice for our sins. As our high priest, Jesus is the mediator between God and man and is the Person through whom we may draw nearer to God. Jesus stated in John chapter 14 that no one may come to God except through Him. The Bible says that Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant (the New Covenant).

The priesthood of Jesus is superior to the Levitical priesthood established in the Mosaic Law. Because Jesus is a high priest forever, all people through all time may come to God through Him. Jesus is not only our King, he is also our High Priest, Judge, and most importantly, our Savior.

As our high priest, Jesus is always available to us. The Bible says that we can cast all our cares on Him because He cars for us. Take your worries and concerns to Jesus today. As our priest, He is willing to hear our needs, and as our Savior, He is able to save us to the utmost. Trust Him today.