A Biblical Vision, Part I: Mastering the Old Testament Witness to Christ

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A B i b l i ca l Vi s i on, Par t I : Mas ter i ng the Ol d Tes tament Wi tnes s to Chr i s t

righteousness, and then he is also king of Salem, that is, king of peace.

2. Jesus is not only a high priest, but a coming king who will rule, just like Melchizedek, Isa. 9.6-7 – For to us a child is born, to us a son is given; and the government shall be upon his shoulder, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and of peace there will be no end, on the throne of David and over his Kingdom, to establish it and to uphold it with justice and with righteousness from this time forth and forevermore. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will do this.

3. As Melchizedek possessed no priestly genealogy, neither does the priestly ministry of Jesus Christ.

a. Melchizedek, Heb. 7.3 – 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.

b. Jesus, Heb. 7.14-17 – For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. [15] This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, [16] who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal require ment concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. [17] For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

4. Melchizedek was called Priest of the Most High God, and so is Christ, Heb. 5.5-6 – 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