"THE EPISTLE TO THE HEBREWS" Chapter Seven Resuming the discussion of Jesus as High Priest, the superiority of Melchizedek to Abraham and Levi is first demonstrated (1-10). Reasons are then given why a new priest after the order of Melchizedek was necessary, which also required a change in the Law (11-19). Finally, the greatness of Jesus as our new High Priest is explained (20-28). POINTS TO PONDER * The superiority of Melchizedek to Abraham and Levi * The change in the priesthood and the annulment of the law * The superiority of Jesus’ priesthood to the Levitical priesthood REVIEW QUESTIONS 1) What are the main points of this chapter? - The greatness of Melchizedek - He 7:1-10 - The need for a new priesthood - He 7:11-19 - The greatness of Jesus’ priesthood - He 7:20-28 2) Where in the Old Testament can we read about Melchizedek? (1) - In Gen 14:18-20; also Ps 110:4 3) What do Melchizedek and the Son of God appear to have in common? (3) - Both appear to be without father and mother, without genealogy, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life, remaining as priests continually 4) Why is Melchizedek greater than both Abraham and Levi? (4-10) - Abraham was blessed by Melchizedek, and the lesser is blessed by the greater - Melchizedek received tithes from Abraham and from his descendant Levi (so to speak) 5) Why was there a need for a change in the priesthood? (11) - The Law which established the Levitical priesthood made nothing perfect 6) What was required for there to be a change in the priesthood? (12,18) - The law had to be changed, indeed, annulled 7) What evidence is there that the Law has been changed? (13-17) - The priest (Jesus) came from the tribe of Judah, not Levi as required by the Law - The priest (Jesus) has the power of endless life, as foretold in Ps 110:4 8) List some of the qualities of Jesus’ priesthood. (20-28) - By the oath of the Lord - Surety of a better covenant - An unchangeable priesthood - Able to save to the uttermost - Always lives to make intercession - Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners - Offered up Himself once for all - Has been perfected forever