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Heb. 7:11-19 teaches us how Jesus as our Great High Priest is like King/Priest Melchizedek and how this new Jesus’ Priesthood was different than the old priesthood. It is important to remember that the basic idea of religion for the Jews then was to have direct access to God’s presence. Under Judaism, this was done in two ways: by obeying the Law of Moses, the Jews were accepted by God. However, it was recognized that such perfect obedience could never be achieved and hence the sacrificial system came in under the ministry of the Levitical Priesthood. But this also proved ineffective to restore fellowship between God and his people. So “in these last days” God gave the people a new Jesus’ Priesthood after the Order of Melchizedek.
Jesus’ Priesthood was different from the Levitical Priesthood. It was not dependent on human qualities but on the power of a life that is indestructible. From beginning to end, the Levitical Priesthood was dependent on physical things: rituals, clothing, appearances, etc. Jesus’ Priesthood depended not on physical things but on who and what He was in Himself. Here was a revolution: it was no longer outward ceremonies and observances that made a priest but inward worth. Jesus the Son of God was the perfect Great High Priest and his Priesthood was based on a life eternal with God, an everlasting Priesthood.
Jesus’ Priesthood came from the tribe of Judah. The Jewish Law stated that all priests must come from the tribe of Levi, descendants of Aaron. Therefore, the very fact that Jesus was the Great High Priest meant that this Law was cancelled, it was wiped out. The word used for cancellation is “anthetesis” which means the annulling of a treaty and rendering a regulation inoperative. The whole paraphernalia of the ceremonial Law was wiped out by Jesus’ Priesthood.
Jesus’ Priesthood gives direct access to God’s presence. He does this by addressing our fear of God and showing us the infinite love of God the Father in giving Him to die on the cross for us. We know through this that God wants us to come to Him, not to punishment, but to the welcome of His open arms. Jesus also atones for our sin. On the cross at Calvary He made the supreme and perfect sacrifice that washes away our sin. Through Him, fear is gone, sin is conquered and the way to God’s presence open to all who repent and believe in Jesus.
