It was on the basis of the Levitical priesthood that the Law was given to the people of Israel. Now, if the work of the Levitical priests had been perfect, there would have been no need for a different kind of priest to appear, one who is in the priestly order of Melchizedek, not of Aaron. 12 For when the priesthood is changed, there also has to be a change in the law. 13 And our Lord, of whom these things are said, belonged to a different tribe, and no member of his tribe ever served as a priest. (Heb 7:11-13 GNT, underscoring added)
Melchizedek’s lineage is not shown in Scripture, but his name means king of righteousness and king of peace. So, he is considered to be a type of Christ.
The Scriptures say about Him, “You are a priest forever, just like Melchizedek.” 18 In this way a weak and useless command was put aside, 19 because the Law cannot make anything perfect. At the same time, we are given a much better hope, and it can bring us close to God. (Heb 7:17-19 CEV) This passage of the Bible refers to Jesus as “a priest forever.”
Here’s a pertinent quotation concerning Jesus’ priesthood:
In verses 4–10 of Hebrews 7, the author recounts how Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek and that the Levitical priests (who were biological descendants of Abraham) would one day be commanded in the law to accept tithes from the people of Israel. The author concludes, “it is beyond dispute that the inferior is blessed by the superior” (v. 7). Given that Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, and the Israelites paid tithes to the Levites, this is a strong argument that Jesus Christ’s priesthood is greater than that of the Levites. – Article by Kim Riddlebarger,
Source: https://www.ligonier.org/learn/devotionals/better-priesthood/
Levitical priests could serve only until they died. Jesus, alone, serves as our Priest forever even into eternity, as the Scripture says:
“The Lord has sworn and will not relent, ‘You are a priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek’ . . . ” (Heb 7:21)
Jesus is the guarantor of a better covenant. (Heb 7:22) Earthly priests’ work is temporary, but Jesus holds his Priesthood eternally because He will never die. (Heb 7:24) Jesus, in His perfection and holiness, is unchangeable. He always lives to make intercession for His people. (Heb 7:25)
Jesus is a High Priest above all others: holy, unstained, innocent, and exalted above the heavens. (See Heb 7:26-28) Glory to God most High! We are so blessed that He is interceding for each and every one of us who have made Him our Lord and Savior.
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