How does Hebrews 6:20 connect to Old Testament priesthood and Melchizedek? Hebrews 6:20—The Verse in Focus “where Jesus our forerunner has entered on our behalf. He has become a high priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” Looking Back: The Old Testament High Priest • Aaron and his sons were appointed to stand between God and Israel (Exodus 28:1). • Only the high priest could pass “behind the veil” into the Most Holy Place, and only once each year on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:2, 34). • This priesthood was: – Temporary (each priest served until death). – Earth-bound (ministering in an earthly tent or temple). – Dependent on genealogy (every priest had to come from Levi through Aaron). Enter Melchizedek: A Different Pattern • First appears suddenly in Genesis 14:18-20—“priest of God Most High” and “king of Salem.” • Receives tithes from Abraham, showing superiority over the patriarch. • Psalm 110:4 applies his order to the promised Messiah: “The LORD has sworn… ‘You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.’” • Distinctives of this order: – Both king and priest. – No recorded genealogy, birth, or death—symbolizing an everlasting ministry. – Pre-Levitical and therefore greater than Levi. How Hebrews 6:20 Links It All Together • “Jesus our forerunner has entered…” – The earthly high priest went in alone and came out; Jesus goes in first so His people can follow (Hebrews 10:19-22). • “…behind the curtain” – The veil in the tabernacle foreshadowed the heavenly throne room; Christ penetrates the true sanctuary (Hebrews 9:24). • “He has become a high priest forever” – Unlike Aaron’s line, His priesthood is unending (Hebrews 7:23-25). • “…in the order of Melchizedek” – Legal right: Jesus is Judah’s royal Son yet legitimately priest because Melchizedek’s order predates and outranks Levi (Hebrews 7:11-17). – Royal-priestly unity: He rules and intercedes simultaneously (Zechariah 6:13 anticipates this union). – Superiority: Abraham’s descendant fulfills what Abraham once acknowledged—Melchizedek’s greater priesthood. Key Takeaways • The Old Testament priesthood pointed forward; Melchizedek provided the mold; Hebrews 6:20 declares the fulfillment. • Jesus’ entrance “behind the veil” secures an anchor of hope for believers (Hebrews 6:19). • Because His priesthood is eternal, His intercession and our salvation are likewise permanent (Hebrews 7:25). |
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