Hebrews 7:11-19

Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron?  For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well.  For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar.  For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.  This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life.  For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”  For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.

Not only is Jesus greater than Abraham, but Jesus is also greater than Aaron.  This an obvious argument but speaks to the nation of Israel looking to be saved through obedience to the Law and the observances of their religious rituals.  So the author of Hebrews is making sure they and we understand that the only means of salvation is Jesus.  There are at least three things in this passage that Jesus provides for believers that Aaron and the Law could never bring about.

THROUGH JESUS WE CAN HAVE PERFECTION: The Levitical priesthood that produced the Law was powerless to produce perfection.  Its purpose was not to produce perfection but to demonstrate our complete lack of ability to achieve it.  If the Law had been able to produce perfection, it would not have been necessary for Jesus to become a man, give His life on the cross as payment for or sin, and be resurrected from the dead.  However, since the Law does not perfect; it only condemns, something else is desperately needed and that is Christ.  He saves us from our sin through faith in Him and His work on our behalf.  He rescues us from the condemnation of sin.  He rescues us from the enslavement that we have to sin.  He rescues us from all sinful acts, thoughts, desires, and motives.  In short, He perfects us.  That doesn’t mean that all believers are perfect; it means all believers will be perfect.  His perfecting work has started, and it will be completed.

THROUGH JESUS WE CAN HAVE ETERNAL LIFE: In the Levitical system we can trace a list of priests that have ministered throughout the history of Israel.  Aaron was the first and then his son and so forth.  Priests had ministries that came to an end when they reached the age of retirement or died.  Jesus is a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.  Jesus was not from the tribe of Levi, the priestly tribe.  Jesus was from the tribe of Judah, the kingly tribe.  This is why Jesus is both Priest and King.  However, the focus is on the fact that his reign and ministry is eternal.  There will never be some other priest or some other requirement.  The Gospel of Jesus Christ will never change or be replaced.  He is eternal which means the salvation He offers is also eternal.  Jesus died and rose again.  His life is indestructible.  His salvation is indestructible.  He offers His eternal life to us through the Gospel. 

THROUGH JESUS WE CAN DARW NEAR TO GOD: In Christ we have a far better hope than the Law could ever produce.  Because of Jesus we have the hope of perfection and eternal life, and in that hope we can now draw near to God.  Because of His provision and sacrifice on our behalf, we can join the family of God.  We are brothers and sisters in Christ because of His work on our behalf.  We can come into the presence of God through prayer and because of Jesus He hears and answers our prayers according to His will.  We can be assured that we will be welcomed into the very presence of God when we die where we will live eternally in perfect fellowship with Him.  We can draw near to Him now and will be near Him forever.

APPLICATION: Trust the work of Christ to perfect us and depend on Him to produce that perfection in us as we wait on His return.  Rejoice and take hope in the truth that we have eternal life though Christ so our lives on earth should not fascinate or distract us.  Draw near to the Lord in prayer and live in eager expectation in the promise of enjoying His presence forever.

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