The Priest We’ve Always Needed

(A Blog on Hebrews 7:1–3, 20–25)

From Religion to Relationship

When I was about 11, I attended a Catholic mass with my grandmother. The priest spoke in Spanish, most of which I didn’t understand, but I remember the reverence, the imagery, and the mystery. Stained glass murals of angels, a statue of Jesus on the cross, incense wafting through the sanctuary—it was all deeply moving and deeply confusing.

Later, after I became a Christian, I realized many people, like my grandmother, had the form of religion without the substance of a personal relationship with God. Symbols and ceremonies, while beautiful, often obscured what they were meant to reveal: intimacy with God.

For many, the priesthood was not a bridge but a barrier.

The Jewish Struggle with Priestly Tradition

Hebrews 7 is a pivotal chapter in the New Testament. Jewish believers who first read this letter lived under the shadow of the Levitical priesthood. Their entire system of worship and forgiveness depended on priests.

The gospel had transformed them, yet they still struggled with old traditions. Their challenge?

Although the gospel had transformed their lives, their traditions hindered them from having complete confidence in Jesus. This chapter implies that some were in danger of falling away, confused about how Jesus could replace such a central part of their spiritual life.

Enter Melchizedek: The Priest Before the Priesthood

To guide these believers, the author introduces a mysterious figure from Genesis 14, named Melchizedek.

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, who met Abraham as he was returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 to whom also Abraham apportioned a tenth part of all the spoils, was first of all, by the translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then also king of Salem, which is king of peace. – Hebrews 7:1–2 (ESV)

Melchizedek represents what is called a “type and shadow” of Christ in theological studies.

A Heavenly Pattern Hidden in History

Hebrews 7:3, explains his identity further: “He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.”

The Greek word “resembling” here aphomoioō, means to be “made like” another. In other words, Melchizedek was not the Messiah, but his priesthood pointed to the one who would come. His righteousness, peace, and timelessness foreshadowed Christ.

Jesus didn’t emerge from the tribe of Levi. He came from Judah, which had no priesthood. He didn’t inherit a title; He is the title: King of Righteousness, King of Peace, and our eternal High Priest.

Why This Matters Today

Few of us wrestle with returning to the Levitical law, but many wrestle with a divided heart.

With access to vast amounts of preaching and teaching online, much of which is devoid of doctrinal accuracy, we can adopt a worldview that allows cultural beliefs to supersede biblical principles. Subtle but dangerous shifts in the presentation of the gospel or other parts of scripture can dilute our simple devotion to Christ.

The Apostle Paul admonished the Christians in Corinth, saying, "But I am afraid that as the serpent deceived Eve by his cunning, your thoughts will be led astray from a sincere and pure devotion to Christ." — 2 Corinthians 11:3 (ESV)

Scripture calls us to exalt Jesus above all else—not just as Savior, but as our perfect and final High Priest.

Hebrews 7:25 (ESV) declares,

“He is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

Jesus is the perfect priest we’ve always needed. Why turn back now? Why look anywhere else? Let’s commit fully to Jesus.

“The measure of all love is its giving, and the measure of the love of God is the gift of His only Son to be our Savior.” – J.I. Packer

Until next time, keep growing in Christ!

Pastor Bob

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About Pastor Bob Moya, DMin.

Pastor Bob Moya has served as the lead pastor with his wife Candace at City Chapel in Arlington, Texas for over 22+ years. He recently graduated with a doctorate degree in Spiritual Renewal and Leadership in the spring of 2024. When not serving at the church, you'll find Bob enjoying a good read at Barnes & Noble, sipping a nitro cold brew or black coffee from Starbucks, or spending time with his family.