Hebrews 7 - 8.27.25

Scripture Hebrews 7:11

If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron?

Observation

“The law provides expert diagnosis of our sin problem, which is absolutely essential. But the law does not provide the cure to our sin problem. Only Jesus can save us from our sin problem.” Enduring Word Bible Commentary.

In the Old Testament, all priests were descendants of Aaron. They were the teachers and interpreters of the law.

The writer of Hebrews was speaking to new Christians with a Jewish background, who were brought up under the Old Testament law. They had an intellection objection to the idea of Jesus as High Priest because he wasn’t from the “priestly” family of Aaron – he was from the wrong tribe. This intellectual objection was a roadblock to maturing in Christ. He reminds them of another priest in the Old Testament who wasn’t a descendant of Aaron, who is a foreshadowing of the great High Priest to come.

Vs. 18-19 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

Application

God said I have a better way.

Vs. 26-28 Such a high priest truly meets our need—one who is holy, blameless, pure, set apart from sinners, exalted above the heavens. Unlike the other high priests, he does not need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for the sins of the people. He sacrificed for their sins once for all when he offered himself. For the law appoints as high priests men in all their weakness; but the oath, which came after the law, appointed the Son, who has been made perfect forever.

Prayer

Lord, thank you that you made a better way – a way for us to come into right relationship with You. Thank you, Jesus, for the sacrifice you made, the cure for our sin. May we put aside anything that hinders our walk with you and put our hope and trust in You in all things.

- Debbie Dunn