Slices
Prepare
Pray: ‘Open my eyes today, Lord, that I may see wonderful things in your law. Amen’ (based on Psalm 119:18).
Bible passage
Jesus like Melchizedek
11 If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood – and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood – why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. 13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared:
‘You are a priest for ever,
in the order of Melchizedek.’
18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.
20 And it was not without an oath! Others became priests without any oath, 21 but he became a priest with an oath when God said to him:
‘The Lord has sworn
and will not change his mind:
“You are a priest for ever.”’
22 Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.
Explore
When a new speed limit is brought in, you must follow the new law. You can’t make a case in court that you were following the old rules!
In today’s passage, the writer explains how Psalm 110 proves that God had brought in a new rule, making the old law about priests obsolete (vs 17,20). In Old Testament Law, priests came from one tribe (Levi) and kings came from another (Judah). Yet in Psalm 110, verses 2 and 4, God changed the law by declaring on oath that he was making a king a priest – someone like the king‑priest Melchizedek.
God’s ‘king-priest’ would be a new kind of priest with an immortal life, in the same way that Melchizedek appeared to have an immortal life because there was no record of his birth or death (vs 15,16).
The Jews could only meet with God through their high priest once a year and only when numerous blood sacrifices had been made. God changed the priesthood so that his people would have better access to him (v 19). Jesus was the king-priest offering a new covenant with God that is better in every way (vs 18,22; see Luke 22:20). He became the sacrifice that covers our sin. His resurrection proved he had an immortal life and his ascension means he is our permanent mediator before God.
Respond
Praise God for his new covenant in Jesus which is better by far.
Bible in a year
Read the Bible in a year: Jeremiah 36,37; Psalm 119:25–48
Pray for Scripture Union
Pray that Jordan Cousins will continue to grow into his role as Mission Enabler in the south and will be able to support Faith Guides effectively as they Reveal Jesus to the 95. Pray too that the Wildfire holiday for Faith Guides to bring their groups to (25–27 October) will encourage young people to pursue their journeys of faith.