“And it is yet far more evident if, in the likeness of Melchizedek, there arises another priest who has come, not according to the law of a fleshly commandment, but according to the power of an endless life” (Hebrews 7:15-16).
We can build upon the foundation of this passage by returning to some questions from earlier in this chapter: “Why would God create a different priestly order? If the Levitical priesthood was adequate to meet human spiritual need, then why execute this change to a new priesthood in the likeness of Melchizedek?”
In response, we can say that the Levitical priesthood never served to perfect anyone in God’s sight. In this context, “perfection” refers to the ability to draw near to God and enjoy a perfect relationship of fellowship with Him. In other words, the old Levitical priestly order could never entirely remove the barrier of sin that stood between God and humanity. Therefore, a new kind of priesthood was necessary; a new order of priestly ministry represented by Melchizedek.
Unlike the members of the Levitical priesthood, Jesus’ priestly ministry was not tied to His birth into the “right” family. On the contrary, this passage from Hebrews 7:16 stresses the independent nature of Jesus’ priesthood apart from any ordinance related to his ancestry. In addition, one could never say that a Levitical priest held an endless priesthood. Every member of the Levitical priestly class served a limited term- and once he passed from this earthly life, another priest rose to take his place.
In contrast, Jesus’ priestly ministry is of an entirely different order. He serves according to the “…power that comes from a life that cannot be destroyed (GW) and “…not by meeting the physical requirement of belonging to the tribe of Levi” (NLT) as we’re told in the passage quoted above. One Biblical commentator expands upon this idea with the following insight…
“Jesus’ priestly authority does not rest in what tribe/family He descended from, but from His possession of eternal, indestructible life (i.e., Melchizedek’s parents are not named in Genesis 14 and the word “forever” is used in Ps. 104:4). Jesus has the endless life of God (as well as the oath and promise of God).” (1)
Therefore, as another source concludes, “God’s declaration that the Messiah belongs to another order of priesthood in Psalm 110:4 Jesus’ priesthood is not based upon law or heredity (a fleshly commandment), but upon the power of God’s endless life.” (2)
(1) Dr. Bob Utley, Hebrews 7 [7:16] Copyright © 2014 Bible Lessons International http://www.freebiblecommentary.org/new_testament_studies/VOL10/VOL10_07.html
(2) Guzik, Dave, Hebrews 7 – A Better Priesthood, A Better High Priest (15-17) https://enduringword.com/bible-commentary/hebrews-7/