“Every high priest is a man chosen to represent other people in their dealings with God. He presents their gifts to God and offers sacrifices for their sins. And he is able to deal gently with ignorant and wayward people because he himself is subject to the same weaknesses. That is why he must offer sacrifices for his own sins as well as theirs. And no one can become a high priest simply because he wants such an honor. He must be called by God for this work, just as Aaron was. That is why Christ did not honor himself by assuming he could become High Priest. No, he was chosen by God, who said to him, “You are my Son. Today I have become your Father.” Hebrews 5:1-5 NLT
Hebrews tells us that, although the position of a high priest was honorable, it cannot be obtained on their own. The high priest must be called and appointed to such a place. The writer mentions two high priests; one Aaron, the other Melchizedek. Aaron was well known in Israel’s history and his involvement in their journey out of Egypt to the promised land. Melchizedek is another matter.
Melchizedek’s sudden appearance and disappearance in the book of Genesis is somewhat mysterious. Abraham presented Melchizedek with a tithe (a tenth) of all the items he had gathered. By this act Abraham indicated that he recognized Melchizedek as a priest who ranked higher spiritually than he. Note, this is all pre-law, pre ten commandments and pre official sacrificial system of expunging sin. Some propose that Melchizedek was actually a pre-incarnate appearance of Jesus Christ. To make things even more interesting, the author of Hebrews writes, “Melchizedek was “without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life, resembling the Son of God, he remains a priest forever.” The question is whether the author of Hebrews means this actually or figuratively.” Either way, Hebrews tells us that “God said to him [Jesus], “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.” Hebrews 5:6.
What does that have to do with Good Friday, the Easter story, or us for that matter? Well, in a wild, one time event, this is the only time that a high priest (the high priest) gave himself as the atoning sacrifice for sin. Since this high priest was perfect and was God himself, his sacrifice was given once for all time and for every human ever to be created. Jesus did not take his own life, but he did give his own life, allowing men to torture and crucify him on a executioner’s cross.
The story of Easter is really two parts: One, the once and for all sacrifice for our sin and two, the proof that He is God and has power over death itself by coming back to life after three days. His death and resurrection is the critical part of believing, confessing and following Jesus. I believe!
Prayer
Dad,
Not growing up in a religious home and having little experience with church, I only have a book knowledge about priests and their role in the Bible. I am sure that my Catholic friends were given a far greater understanding and appreciation for the priesthood. Even so, I can definitely grasp the concept of someone stepping in and being a substitute for my sin. I do understand Jesus taking my place, my sins, my wrongs and making things right with you, my Holy God. For that and so much more, I am thankful for Jesus’ sacrifice. I now know that the life I lead is because of the work on the cross and the power of resurrection from the dead. I am eternally grateful!