Bringing the Message of Messiah to the original messengers and equipping the church to do likewise

Messiah: Prophet Priest & King [Part 3 The Great High Priest]

By Nigel Christensen


For every high priest chosen from among men is appointed to act on behalf of men in relation to God, to offer gifts and sacrifices for sins. (Hebrews 5:1 ESV)

In part 2, we saw how Jesus during his ministry years operated in the anointed office of the Prophet. But now in heaven he is operating as a Royal High Priest. Following his 2nd coming he will operate in the anointed office of the King (which we will discuss in part 4). In this article we will focus on Jesus operating as the Great High Priest according to the order of Melchizedek. Whereas the prophet represents God to people, the priest is one who represents people to God. Also, just as the prophet’s office had two facets, foretelling and forthtelling, so to the priest’s office had two facets. Firstly, having qualified and prepared themselves, to offer appropriate sacrifices and secondly to intercede or mediate between God and Man (I Tim 2:5).

OT Prophecy and NT Fulfilment:  The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, “You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.” (Ps 110:4 ESV)

Being from the tribe of Judah, Jesus does not qualify to be a priest under Mosaic law. However, having instituted the new covenant during his final Passover and now ascended into heaven. Messiah now operates as a High Priest after the order of Melchizedek. Having been appointed to this office by the LORD. Unlike earthly priests who die and are then succeeded; Messiah, following his resurrection, has been raised to an immortal life and will be the High Priest of this order forever. Ps 110:1-2 makes it clear that in there is an integration of Kingship and Priesthood in this order (c.f. Zech 6:12-13), which is confined by Gen 14 where Melchizedek was both a King and Priest. Being of this same order Jesus is a Royal High Priest. That Messiah is seen to fulfil this prophecy is clearly stated in the book of Hebrews. So also, Christ did not exalt himself to be made a high priest, but was appointed by him who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 5:5-6 ESV). What Hebrews also points out is that Abraham gave tithes to Melchizedek, and that the lesser gives to the greater. So as Levi and Aaron were descendants of Abraham, this means that the priesthood of Melchizedek is actually superior and of a higher order than that of the Levitical order (Heb 7). Thus, Jesus alone is called the Great High Priest (Heb 4:14). Because Messiah would not only be both the one to offer the sacrifice, but also would himself be that sacrifice. We see this prophesied in Isa. 53. Yet it was the will of the LORD to crush him; he has put him to grief; when his soul makes an offering for guilt, he shall see his offspring; he shall prolong his days; the will of the LORD shall prosper in his hand. (Isa 53:10 ESV)

Blessings of the Role:  Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. For we do not have a high priest who is unable to sympathise with our weaknesses, but one who in every respect has been tempted as we are, yet without sin. Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. (Hebrews 4:14-16 ESV)

There are so many blessings made available to believers because Messiah Jesus is our high priest (Eph 1:3). In this passage we see a couple of key examples. Firstly, that the High Priest who represents us, faced the temptation of sin, and so can be sympathetic to us. But secondly, he was and is without sin, conquering sin and death, and so can be victorious for us (1 Cor 15:57). Because of that believers can now have the confidence to approach God’s throne, not to receive Judgement for our sins, because Jesus paid the price, but to receive mercy and find grace in our times of need.

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