Commentary on Hebrews 7-8
Chuck Smith explains the superiority of Christ's priesthood as established in Hebrews 7-8, emphasizing Melchisedec's mysterious priesthood as a foreshadowing of Jesus' eternal and perfect intercession.
In this expository sermon, Chuck Smith delves into Hebrews chapters 7 and 8, unpacking the significance of Melchisedec's priesthood as a foreshadowing of Christ's eternal and superior priesthood. He explains how Jesus fulfills the prophecy of Psalm 110 and establishes a new covenant that surpasses the old Levitical system. Listeners gain a deeper understanding of Christ's role as the perfect high priest and the implications for believers living under the new covenant.
Text
Shall we turn now in our Bibles to Hebrews, the seventh chapter.
In the book of Genesis, after Abraham and Lot had parted company, there was a confederation of five kings that conquered in the area where Lot lived, and took him captive and spoiled several cities. Abraham, hearing of it, armed his servants and he went out to met these five kings in battle, and defeated them. He took from them the spoils that they had taken from the many cities that they had conquered.
As Abraham was returning victoriously with the spoils from these five kings, there came out to meet him a man by the name of Melchisedec. The name means "the King of Righteousness." He was also known as "the King of Salem," which being interpreted is "the King of Peace." Nothing is told us concerning the origin of Melchisedec. We know nothing of his genealogy, nothing of his parents. We know nothing of what happened to him after his meeting with Abraham. This was 400 years before Moses and the law.
Melchisedec, a mysterious priest of which we know so little, is only mentioned twice in the Old Testament. The first time being there in Genesis 19, when he met Abraham. But then in Psalm 110, out of the blue the psalmist writes concerning God, that He had sworn with an oath that, "Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec." This one hundred tenth Psalm is a psalm concerning the Messiah. It begins, "The Lord said unto my Lord, \
Sermon Outline
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I
- Introduction to Melchisedec and his meeting with Abraham
- Significance of Melchisedec's titles: King of Righteousness and King of Peace
- Lack of genealogical information about Melchisedec
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II
- Melchisedec's priesthood as a type of Christ's eternal priesthood
- Psalm 110's prophecy about the Messiah's priesthood
- Comparison between Melchisedec and the Levitical priesthood
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III
- Superiority of Christ's priesthood over the old covenant priests
- The new covenant established through Christ's perfect priesthood
- Implications for believers under the new covenant
Key Quotes
“Melchisedec, a mysterious priest of which we know so little, is only mentioned twice in the Old Testament.” — Chuck Smith
“The name means 'the King of Righteousness.' He was also known as 'the King of Salem,' which being interpreted is 'the King of Peace.'” — Chuck Smith
“Psalm 110 is a psalm concerning the Messiah. It begins, 'The Lord said unto my Lord...'” — Chuck Smith
Application Points
- Recognize Jesus as the eternal high priest who intercedes perfectly on your behalf.
- Trust in the new covenant established by Christ rather than relying on old religious systems.
- Embrace the peace and righteousness that come through faith in Jesus' priesthood.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was Melchisedec?
Melchisedec was a mysterious priest and king mentioned in Genesis who met Abraham; he is considered a type of Christ's eternal priesthood.
Why is Melchisedec important in Hebrews?
Hebrews uses Melchisedec to illustrate the superiority and eternal nature of Christ's priesthood compared to the Levitical priesthood.
What does 'priest forever after the order of Melchisedec' mean?
It means that Jesus' priesthood is eternal and not based on genealogy or the law, unlike the Levitical priests.
How does the new covenant differ from the old covenant?
The new covenant, established by Christ, offers a perfect and eternal priesthood and a direct relationship with God, unlike the old covenant's temporary and imperfect system.