Hebrews 7:7-10

Summary retelling of Hebrews 7:7-10

Common sense tells us that it is the superior one who blesses the inferior one.  Certainly we can say that Melchizedek was blessed by Abraham when the tithe was given, but how much more can we say that God – who lives – blessed Abraham!  In fact, if we are talking about comparing Levi to Melchizedek, we can say that Levi – a descendant of Abraham – is inferior to Melchizedek because his ancestor was not the superior when Abraham met Melchizedek.

Thoughts for Today

First Thought:

Admittedly, this is a most difficult section of verses to understand.  However, there are some basic points about which we can talk.  First, it makes sense that it is the superior who is the blessing on the inferior.  This is why we have mentors – so that we can learn from someone superior.  This is why we ask experts of a subject to teach that subject in schools.  Certainly the superior is blessed in the teaching – that is of no doubt.  But the relationship is designed to benefit the lesser of the people involved.

How does this section speak to the need for all of us to have spiritual mentors in our lives?

Second Thought:

Part of this section of verses also has to do with “racial” solidarity.  The Jews believe that they are unique in God’s eyes.  And while they certainly were the ones to whom God sent the prophets and the Law in order to prepare the world for the Messiah, they certainly are not the only ones God loves.  This passage shows that even between Abraham and Melchizedek, Abraham was the inferior one.  Superiority and inferiority is not a question of genealogy but of spirituality.

How would you evaluate your relationship with God?  Do you think people in the world would see you as a spiritual superior or a spiritual inferior person?  What do you need to do in order to become (or stay) a spiritually superior person.  {Keep in mind that I don’t mean superior with respect to being better than others.  I mean superior with respect to being better than your own humanity would naturally allow?}

Third Thought:

Part of this section is also an attempt to demonstrate how Melchizedek’s line of priesthood is greater than Aaron’s line (or even Levi’s line).  If Abraham – who fathered Levi and was an ancestor of Aaron – was blessed by Melchizedek, then Melchizedek must have been a great spiritual person whether his priesthood was “traditional” in the sight of the Jews or not.  The author’s point is not so much in putting down the Jews as it is in exalting Christ.  It is one thing to say that you belong to Aaron’s priesthood.  But if Melchizedek was able to bless the ancestor of Aaron, then those who come after Melchizedek and follow his spiritual pattern – specifically, Jesus – must likewise be great!

When you think about Jesus, do you think of Him as a priest?  Do you think of Him as having a priestly heritage?  Why is it important to think of Him not just as a priest but as a great priest?

Passage for Tomorrow: Hebrews 7:11-14