Wednesday 28 May 2025
Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself. (v. 27)
Background
The letter to the Hebrews was written to Jewish Christians who were struggling with their belief in Jesus as Lord and were considering returning to the Jewish faith.
In the early chapters of Hebrews, the writer emphasises that although both Judaism and Christianity are religions revealed by God, Christianity is better. There is particular emphasis on Jesus as a great high priest, who is superior to any other high priest. "Since, then, we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession." (Hebrews 4:14)
According to the Jewish scriptures, God's law specified that only those born of the tribe of Levi could serve as his priests (Numbers 8). Of these Levites, only those who were descended from Aaron were eligible to become High Priest (Exodus 29:9, 29-30, Leviticus 8:12, 16:32). Jesus was of the tribe of Judah and therefore not eligible to be a priest in the order of Aaron.
However, there is another high priest in Jewish scriptures, Melchizedek. The name is often understood to mean 'king of righteousness', from two Hebrew words: 'melek' (king) and 'tsedeq' (righteousness). Melchizedek is mentioned only twice in the Old Testament. The first occurrence is in Genesis when Melchizedek blessed Abram after Abram had rescued his nephew Lot and defeated those who had captured Lot. "And King Melchizedek of Salem brought out bread and wine; he was priest of God Most High." (Genesis 14:18) Melchizedek was not of the order of Aaron as he lived many years earlier than Levi, before the giving of the Israelite Law.
Secondly, in Psalm 110 when the psalmist prophesies that there will be an eternal high priest: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest for ever according to the order of Melchizedek.’” (v. 4) It is this phrase ‘according to the order of Melchizedek’ that the writer of Hebrews emphasises applies to Jesus with it occurring 5 times (5:6, 10; 6:20 and 7:11, 17).
These references lay the foundation for today’s passage, drawing on the Jewish Christians' understanding of the role of the high priest as the one who offered sacrifices for the sins of the people on their behalf, sacrifices that had to be made time and time again, year after year (Leviticus 4). The writer of the letter to the Hebrews contrasts this with Jesus’ sacrifice made ‘once and for all’ (v. 27) when Jesus gave his life on the cross. Only one who is holy, blameless and exalted above the heavens could achieve this – the Son of God, Jesus Christ.
To Ponder:
- Why do you think the writer of the letter to the Hebrews believed it was important to stress that Jesus was a great high priest?
- How does this affect your understanding of Jesus and who he is?
Prayer
Lord God, we thank you that Jesus Christ sacrificed himself once and for all, for the forgiveness of sins. May we learn to live as Jesus would have us live. Amen.
Bible notes author: The Revd Gill Sharp
Gill Sharp is a minister residing in The Peak Circuit. She works part-time as a chaplain at the Methodist Homes (MHA) care home in the Hope Valley.