Hebrews
The Glorious Jesus
Jesus: Greater than Aaron
Part 3
Teaching Strategy
The focus of this lesson is a continuation of the Hebrew writer’s discussion of the superiority of Jesus. Of special note in this lesson is the relationship between Aaron, Melchizedek and Jesus.
Student Learning Outcomes
- Know: Understand how Jesus is superior to all things in heaven and on earth.
- Feel: Defend the superiority of Jesus.
- Do: Submit to the lordship of Jesus by obedient faith.
Body of the Lesson
Discussion Questions
Below are suggested questions to use during the guided discussion portion of the lesson. There are also suggested responses to questions to help students grasp the various concepts. These are provided to assist the discussion and are not considered as "right or wrong" responses.
Jesus is in the mold and character of a different kind of High Priest than the Aaronic line. Aaron, and the others that served after him, died and needed another to carry on his work. Jesus, however, was prefigured by Melchizedek who is described as an "eternal" type and figure in the Old Testament.
There was a local war between rival Kings in the region of Sodom and Gomorrah. During this war, Lot was taken captive. Abraham was informed and successfully freed his nephew along with his family and belongings. Following his return, Abraham was met by Melchizedek who was described as the king of Salem and priest of the Most High God. Melchizedek brought out bread and wine and provided a blessing for Abraham. As a sign of respect for Melchizedek as a priest of God, Abram offered him a tenth of all the goods captured.
- King of Salem (aka, Jerusalem)
- Also refers to God and Jehovah indicating a spiritual kinship with Abraham
- Referred to as a Priest of God Most High
- Initiates a blessing on Abraham and receives both a blessing and a tenth of the goods from Abraham's victory (a sign of recognition and respect to Melchizedek)
- Prophesied
- The Hebrew writer indicates Melchizedek as a "type" or preview of the Messiah-king who would ultimately come. This is not to say, as some do, that Melchizedek was actually Christ.
- His name means "My King is Righteous (Jesus is the only true righteous one).
- He was both a king and a Priest, as is Jesus.
- He blessed Abraham, Jesus blesses both Abraham's physical descendants (Jews) as well as all others who believe in Him (Christians).
- His genealogy is considered endless in that there is no father or death recorded concerning him (Melchizedek). Jesus is eternal (John 1:1-3).
See the text for this review.
It is a changing of the basis of each. Aaron is based on law and Melchizedek is based on the power of eternal life. The outcomes are therefore different as well. The law could not resurrect men, clear consciences or draw men nearer to God. It could only remind them of sin and death. The eternal priesthood of Jesus accomplishes all of these as He fulfills the requirements of the Law and gives to mankind the power of life and freedom. There has also been given a promise of salvation from God through Christ. Unlike the Aaronic priesthood that continually offered up sacrifices year after year (since the blood of animals could never atone for sin) Jesus, the High Priest and perfect sacrifice intercedes on our behalf eternally.
Holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners, exalted with God in heaven, does not need to offer up daily sacrifices for Himself and for the people (the sacrifice has already been made), appointed by an oath after the law and perfect forever.
Jesus is both our High Priest and King. He not only offered the sacrifice for our sins, but was the perfect sacrifice. Because of this, only Jesus offers salvation. All the former priests and sacrifices, pointed to the promised Messiah, Jesus. Once we are united with Christ through our obedient faith, we are given the blessing of salvation.