As we walk through Hebrews in our reading plan, below are a few additional thoughts, questions, commentary, and quotes. These aren’t designed to substitute your personal study and reflectionon God’s Word, but they’re small supplements to your study. It’s always helpful to begin your study by reading the passage and making some basic observations. See the post “Making Observations” for basic questions to help you understand and apply what you’re reading.
“The logic is as follows: Abraham gave a tenth to Melchizedek, and Levi was a child of Abraham, and thus there is a sense in which Levi paid tithes to Melchizedek. The excellence of Melchizedek is also evident, for his priesthood never ends, for he is a living priest, whereas Levitical priests are constantly replaced since they die. The discussion on Melchizedek seems foreign to contemporary readers, but it is designed for a pastoral purpose. Since the Melchizedekian priesthood is clearly superior to the Levitical one, the readers must not abandon or forsake Jesus.” Thomas Schreiner, Hebrews
Study, Reflection, and Discussion Questions
- What are 5 ways Melchizedek resembles Jesus or is like Jesus (or that Jesus resembles Melchizedek)?
- In chapter 7, find at least 6 contrasts of how Jesus is different from and superior to the priests, sacrificial system, and Old Covenant.
- Based upon Hebrews 7, why is Jesus superior to the Levitical priests and their ministry?
For Further Study
- Melchizedek: Gen. 14:18-20; Ps. 100:4; Heb. 5:6, 10; 6:19-20; 7.
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