(We are taking a break from our Wednesday at the Well Bible studies because I know time is often limited during the Thanksgiving and Christmas season. Wednesday at the Well will resume after Christmas. Have a Blessed Thanksgiving, a Merry Christmas, and a Wonderful New Year! - Gayle)
Bible Reading: Genesis 14:18-20 & Hebrews 7:1-17
In biblical times, priests accepted offerings and made sacrifices to God on behalf of the people. These offerings and sacrifices were the required penalty for the people’s sins.
These offerings and sacrifices needed to be offered again and again.
On that first Christmas, a priest, Jesus was born. Hebrews 7:17 says He was
“a priest forever—the kind of priest Melchizedek was.”
The Old Testament priests came from the family of Levi. Melchizedek and Jesus were not from the family of Levi. No one knows who Melchizedek’s parents were. Jesus earthly father was from the family of Judah.
Melchizedek and Jesus were not like other priests. Melchizedek and Jesus were put in a specific place at special time to do a unique job.
Melchizedek accepted offerings from Abram hundreds of years before God established the Old Testament system of offerings and sacrifices.
Jesus was both priest and sacrifice. God sent Jesus to earth to act as priest and to offer Himself as the final, perfect sacrifice for our sins. Jesus offered Himself one time for the sins of all people.
Because of the sacrifice of our perfect Priest, Jesus, we can be forgiven for our sins. We can enjoy life in heaven forever!
“The Lord has made a promise with an oath and will not change his mind: You are a priest forever – the kind of priest Melchizedek was.” Psalm 110:4
Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You for our perfect Priest, Jesus. Thank You for Jesus’ perfect sacrifice. In Jesus' name. Amen.