MEMORY VERSE: ‘For it is evident that our Lord sprang out of Juda; of which tribe Moses spake nothing concerning priesthood.’ Hebrews 7:14
LESSON AIM: To examine the Bible words concerning Christ, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec.
‘The Levitical priesthood was the means of expressing faith in that greater priesthood, the priesthood of the Son of God, announced in the words: “The Lord said unto my Lord. . . .Thou art a priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.” Psalm 110:1-4. The sanctuary and the services of this priesthood [the Priesthood of the Levites] were but means of expressing faith in the sanctuary and the services of the priesthood that is in heaven. For, of all that system, “this is the sum: We have such an high priest, who is set on the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in the heavens; a minister of the sanctuary, and of the true tabernacle, which the Lord pitched, and not man.” Hebrews 8:1, 2.’ A. T. Jones, Review & Herald, February 13, 1900.
1. During His life on earth, what slur did Jesus have to endure? John 8:41; John 8:19.
NOTE: ‘Jesus denied that the Jews were children of Abraham. He said, “Ye do the deeds of your father.” In mockery they answered, “We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.” These words, in allusion to the circumstances of His birth, were intended as a thrust against Christ in the presence of those who were beginning to believe on Him. Jesus gave no heed to the base insinuation, but said, “If God were your Father, ye would love Me: for I proceeded forth and came from God.” Their works testified of their relationship to him who was a liar and a murderer.” John 8:44.’ Desire of Ages, page 467.
2. How important was it to the Old Testament priesthood that they could prove their ancestry? Ezra 2:62. Consider by contrast, the descent, the pedigree of Melchisedec. Hebrews 7:6
COMPILER’S NOTE: Pedigree was essential in Jewish thinking. The genealogies proved that you were eligible to serve as a priest, and were a true child of Israel. This was the reason for some of the prejudice against Jesus. He spoke only of his Father in heaven, therefore He was considered illegitimate. Melchisedec held the office of priest before any of the children of Abraham had come into the world, therefore we can see him as a shadow-type of Jesus, before Jesus became our High Priest in reality. Melchisedec predated the Levitical priests and Christ took their place forever, as our true and living High Priest, the One who could truly purge us from our sins.
NOTE: ‘The high priest, clad in his consecrated and expensive robes, with the breastplate upon his breast, the light flashing upon the precious stones inlaid in the breastplate, presented a most imposing appearance, and struck the conscientious, true-hearted people with admiration, reverence, and awe. The high priest was designed in an especial manner to represent Christ, who was to become a High Priest forever after the order of Melchisedec.’ Review & Herald, December 17, 1872.