By Jonathon Schramm
Scripture: Hebrews 5:5-10 (NRSV)
It can be all too easy for those of us not raised in a priestly religious tradition to skim right across these middle chapters of Hebrews, where the author is trying to lay out an argument for a primarily Jewish audience as to why Jesus offers our best path to meeting God. The language of priests, let alone a High Priest, and sacrifices in a temple is largely foreign to us. Or we may be used to thinking of Jesus as the supreme sacrifice, not a priest offering the sacrifice. But the obscure reference of this passage to Melchizedek reminds us of an amazing truth when we dig into it: the “Author and Perfecter” of our faith was, despite his power, always about the business of radically trusting God, even to the point of giving himself up to suffering and death. Sacrificing his trust in his own exaltation, Jesus came out from the tomb made even more glorious through God’s exaltation.
For to be a priest in the line of Melchizedek is to claim connection with that ancient prophet, who appeared as if out of nowhere in the biblical story. He recognized the slow redeeming work that God was beginning through Abraham, and added his voice in blessing. In turn, Abraham gave Melchizedek (whose name means the “King of Peace”) a tenth of his spoils from war. From that early chapter in Genesis until now, we haven’t heard anything about this mysterious priest. But Hebrews reminds us that the trust in God of which Melchizedek was one of the first clear exemplars has been seen in its fullness in the person and life of Jesus. And because of Jesus’ rock-solid trust in God, we have a High Priest who we can cling to with the same abandon, knowing that God has never forsaken those who trust in Him.
Scripture: Hebrews 5:5-10 (NRSV)
So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming a high priest, but was appointed by the one who said to him, “You are my Son, today I have begotten you”; 6as he says also in another place, “You are a priest forever, according to the order of Melchizedek.” 7In the days of his flesh, Jesus offered up prayers and supplications, with loud cries and tears, to the one who was able to save him from death, and he was heard because of his reverent submission. 8Although he was a Son, he learned obedience through what he suffered; 9and having been made perfect, he became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him,
10having been designated by God a high priest according to the order of Melchizedek.