So Who Was Melchizedek? Part One

In the first of two parts, Pastor David preached on Hebrews 7:1-3:

For this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the Most High God, met Abraham returning from the slaughter of the kings and blessed him, 2 and to him Abraham apportioned a tenth part of everything. He is first, by translation of his name, king of righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace. 3 He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever.

Who Was Melchizedek?

1. He was a king (vv. 1-2) of peace (Salem is derived from shalom, meaning peace) and of righteousness.

2. He was a priest. Now why is this interesting?

Because the Levitical priesthood was later created by Mosaic law, and this was 400 years away! So we have a priest essentially before there was an "official" office. In addition, the Mosaic law made a VERY strict line that separated the King and the priest, making them separate offices (one need only look to Uzziah's mistake in 2 Chronicles 26 to see this illustrated).

3. He also had no genealogy.

This is also interesting because you have to realize that both for the hearers of Hebrews and those living in Old Testament times, genealogy was VERY important. Why do you think that Matthew begins with a genealogy in setting the scene for the Gospel? EVERY other Old Testament believer had a genealogy, but it was likely because he was a type.

Melchizedek Was a Type of Christ

1. Definition: a TYPE is a divinely-purposed illustration or example of the ultimate reality

2. A type POINTS or foreshadows the reality--at the end of Hebrews 6, it states that Melchizedek was a forerunner

3. When the type is considered, the reality of that type is greater appreciated--just as Melchizedek was king of peace and righteousness, Christ is the ultimate King of peace and righteousness.

How did Melchizedek act as a type of Christ?

Pastor David closed with three points to illustrate this:

1. Melchizedek was a king; Jesus is the KING OF KINGS.

2. Melchizedek was a priest; Jesus is the HIGH PRIEST.

3. Melchizedek did not have a father or mother; Jesus is THE ETERNAL AND ONLY Son of God, THE Ancient of Days, always existing, immutable, glorious.

The importance of this forerunner to Christ is the illustration of the joint office of Christ: He is both our intercessor as priest, ever our representative before the Father and King over us as our Creator! And even more, He acts as the person offering sacrifice AND having been the sacrifice! Glory in Christ as your King and High Priest!