Through the Book of Hebrews—Exploration and Discussion 7:11-28

Christ’s Priesthood vs. Levitical Priesthood

v. 11 “perfection” “…means the condition in which men [mankind] are acceptable to God” (Morris, 1981). What does “for on the basis of it the law was given to the people” say about the relationship between the priest and the law?

The priesthood is the very basis of the law. They went hand in hand.

Why was there still need for another priest to come…? Remember Psalm 110 was spoken well after the law was established through Moses. This showed that the priests of the line of Aaron could not accomplish what God ultimately required.

The law/priesthood was not going to bring righteousness before God to mankind. The levitical priesthood has been replaced by a more superior priesthood in the likeness of Melchizedek. This demonstrates the insufficiency of the priesthood from the line of Aaron and consequently the law.

v. 12 Why is there a change of the law? Again, a change from the levitical priesthood to the likeness of Melchizedek (Jesus) brings about consequent changes. The old system (covenant) is inadequate and the new covenant allows us to be acceptable before our holy God. Pett writes,

Something greater has taken over. The way of the Law has been replaced by the way of the High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. And this is the way of the promises given to Abraham.

v. 13 What tribe is the writer referring? (v. 14) What is the point in saying “no one from that tribe has ever served at the alter?”

The priesthood in the likeness of Melchizedek was before and supersedes the sacrificial system. Only the levitical priesthood offered sacrifices, but in the new covenant “the alter” does not matter, it was temporary and now void.

v. 14 Jesus descended from the tribe of Judah. The writer of Hebrews highlights that Moses said nothing about priests coming from the tribe of Judah. The point is that the Melchizedekian priesthood was not tied to the law/levitical priesthood.

In referring to Christ Pett said, “So here again He has sprung up as replacing the old order. In Him Judah has replaced Levi, and the royal priesthood has replaced the dying priesthood. He is not only our priest, He is our Lord.”

v. 15-16 Jesus is our high priest not on the basis of ______________ as to his ____________ but on the basis of ____________ of an ________________ life.

v. 17 Psalm 110:4

v. 18 How do we reconcile Romans 7:12 with “The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless?” (cf. v. 19a).

v. 19 The law was unable “to make right those who sin by breaking it, nor can it give power necessary to fulfill its demands” (NIV notes).

“…a _________ hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.”

v. 20-21 Psalm 110:4 “The Lord has sworn…” No oath was associated with the establishment of the Levitical priesthood.

v. 22 Why is the new covenant better/superior? (cf. 23-28)

v. 23-24 Levitical priests were mortal men. Jesus lives ___________ , he has a ______________ priesthood.

v. 25 Therefore, he is able to___________ ______________those who come to God through him, because he always lives to _________________ for them.

v. 26 Jesus our high priest meets our__________. He is “holy, blameless, and pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens.”

v. 27 Who did the other high priests have to offer sacrifices for day after day? However, Jesus “sacrificed for their sins_______________ when he offered himself.”

v. 28 The law appointed “high priests who where were____________ ; but the __________ which came after the law appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.”

What acts/behavior should we engage in to ensure that Jesus will meet our every need?

What hinders your commitment to a daily seeking of the Lord?

Does our God grant more faith to those who are struggling? How do we get it?

Are you going to be led by the Spirit (love, joy, peace, patience, etc.,) if your life is not “doing” behaviors driven by faith?

Does it take self discipline to put oneself in a position of accountability with others who share our living faith? Is this necessary to ensure our spiritual growth?