Here we see several things of importance presented to us in correlation with the identity of Christ. First and foremost, verse 2 presents a very important, fundamental reason for Christ's incarnation as a human. Because Christ lived a human life, he is able to relate with us and since the only way we as sinners can come to God is through the escort of the High Priest, it's a good thing that he can relate to us. Now, Christ lived a human life, he experienced it's hardships and difficulties, its temptations. Yet he was able to live a life without sin which qualifies him to stand before the Almighty without fear and to act as His High Priest.
And this brings us to the second thing that is presented in this chapter: Melchizedek. For those of you unaware of who Melchizedek is, he is only mentioned three times in the Bible. The first time is in Genesis 14 where he is described as "a king of Salem and a priest of the Most High". He shows up out of nowhere to bless Abram for God and to accept his sacrifices and tithe for God. It was not common back then to be a king and a priest so he is something of an anomaly already. "Salem" is similar to the Hebrew word for peace, "Shalom" and comes from a similar root. The second time he is mentioned is in Psalm 110 where we receive a prophecy about one to come who will "be of the order of Melchizedek" which can be interpreted to mean "who will be both king and priest". And the third and final time is here in Hebrews where Jesus is affiliated with Melchizedek. The mystery of who is Melchizedek is one that many theologians have wrestled with at different times. Some have posited that he was a pre-incarnation of Christ. D.A. Carson gave a great talk on this issue at the Gospel Coalition Conference two years ago titled "Getting Excited About Melchizedek." Check it out if you have an hour to kill.
The important part of Christ's identity as a member and the High Priest of the priestly caste associated with Melchizedek is that it exemplifies how he is both a King and a Priest. His dual role in our lives is similar. As true believers we give control of our lives wholly and completely over to Him. This represents his role as King. Having lived a perfect life and having died for our sins, He then acts as an intercessor for us with God while simultaneously teaching us and leading us through the process of sanctification. This fulfills his role as a High Priest. It's important to take some time and reflect if Jesus is the the true King and High Priest in your life. Does He have power over me? Do I listen to Him and follow his directions?
The thing that stuck out to me was the poke at the Hebrews for being slow learners - he said they ought to be teachers by now - I dont know but this seems to level the playing field for me. Not as an excuse to be lazy but just lets me feel comfort in the fact that i am not as wise and leanred in the scriptures as others. Just the knolwege that i am struggling with the same things as other folks.
ReplyDeleteWhile it is nice to see that what we struggle with other (Biblical) people have also struggles with, it's important to not give up striving to move past these struggles. Not that I think you are striving to be a better image of God, but I just wanted to make sure I addressed that :) And don't doubt that you have grown. It's not always as evident looking from the inside as it is from the outside.
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