Hebrews in continuing to share about the supremacy of Jesus Christ, focuses on this mysterious character Melchizedek (see Genesis 14 v17-24).

His name Melchizedek means ‘King of Righteousness’, but he was also the King of Salem (Jerusalem) meaning ‘King of Peace’ (v1-2). These wonderful names speak of the greatness of Melchizedek as a priest and person.

We never read of Melchizedek’s family background, where he came from or about when he died (v3). The writer uses this to give us a picture of Jesus who as a priest has n beginning and no end, Jesus is the eternal one.

Melchizedek’s superiority over the priesthood of the tribe of Levite in that Abraham presented a tithe to him and was blessed by Melchizedek (v4-10). In offering a tithe Abraham was doing this not just for himself but for his future family including Levi who would be his great-grandson.

Jesus was like Melchizedek a priest of a different order, not from the tribe of Levi but from the kingly tribe of Judah. The writer speaks of the superiority of this new order of priesthood (v11-28) which was particularly seen in that the priests of Levi had to keep being replaced due to death. Jesus, although He died, He rose victorious and exalted at God’s right hand is a priest forever. Carefully read verses 26-28 and marvel at the priest Jesus is.