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

Session 5: Character Types of the Prophet Ministry, Pr iesthood, and Kingship of Jesus Chr ist 87

begotten you”; [6] as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”

5. He received tithes from Abraham, and so Jesus received offerings from his followers, Matt. 26.7-11 – a woman came up to him with an alabaster flask of very expensive ointment, and she poured it on his head as he reclined at table. [8] And when the disciples saw it, they were indignant, saying, “Why this waste? [9] For this could have been sold for a large sum and given to the poor.” [10] But Jesus, aware of this, said to them, “Why do you trouble the woman? For she has done a beautiful thing to me. [11] For you always have the poor with you, but you will not always have me.”

6. As Melchizedek blessed faithful Abraham, so Christ blesses his people.

a. John 1.16 – And from his fullness we have all received, grace upon grace.

b. Eph. 1.6 – to the praise of his glorious grace, with which he has blessed us in the Beloved.

c. Eph. 4.7 – But grace was given to each one of us according to the measure of Christ’s gift.

7. The unchangeable nature of his priesthood (his priesthood is forever), Heb. 7.21-25 – but this one was made a priest with an oath by the one who said to him: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever.’”[22] This makes Jesus the guarantor of a better covenant. [23] The former priests were many in number, because they were prevented by death from continuing in office, [24] but he holds his priesthood permanently, because he continues forever. [25] Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to