The term “high priest” has already appeared eight times within the first six chapters of the Biblical book of Hebrews. This phrase will also go on to appear eight additional times over the final seven chapters of this letter. Therefore, we can say that this subject is one of primary importance- and Hebrews chapter seven serves as the center point in discussing Jesus’ role as our high priest.
Despite the gravity of this subject however, the author of Hebrews questioned whether his audience was ready to grasp its importance…
“Even though Jesus was God’s Son, He learned obedience from the things He suffered. In this way, God qualified Him as a perfect High Priest, and He became the source of eternal salvation for all those who obey Him. And God designated Him to be a High Priest in the order of Melchizedek. There is much more we would like to say about this, but it is difficult to explain, especially since you are spiritually dull and don’t seem to listen” (Hebrews 5:8-11 NLT).
In this respect, we may view the author of Hebrews in the same way we might view a faithful coach who pushes an athlete to exceed his or her limitations. Thus, our author will press forward in this important discussion with the beloved members of his audience here in chapter seven.
Nevertheless, there are several spiritual and intellectual concerns that might impact our view of Jesus as our High Priest. Our author will address those objections throughout this chapter with several counterpoints, including…
- The priestly order to which Jesus belongs is superior to the priesthood held by Aaron and his successors under the Old Testament Law.
- The Old Testament provided for the establishment of this superior priesthood.
- There were certain inadequacies within the Law itself that brought about the need for something better.
- The ministry held by priests who served under the Old Testament Law was limited or temporary.
- Unlike the Levitical priests, Jesus did not need to atone for his sins before engaging in His ministry on behalf of others
- Jesus’ ministry continues eternally.
Therefore, as one source concludes…
“Here begins the longest single expository passage in the epistle. Its very length suggests its importance. Its theme is the core theme of Hebrews. The real resource of the readership, in the midst of their pressures, is the high priesthood of Christ. They must realize the greatness of that priesthood, its superiority to the Levitical institutions, and the perfect access they have to it on the basis of Christ’s death.” (1)
(1) John F. Walvoord and Roy B. Zuck, Bible Knowledge Commentary, C. The greater Priest and His greater ministry (7:1-10:18)