Jesus saves completely

Today's reading Hebrews 7:1-28

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Today’s blog

“Therefore he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, because he always lives to intercede for them.” (Hebrews 7:25)

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Melchizedek is hardly a well-known Old Testament character yet his very obscurity and the distinctiveness of his priesthood cause the writer of Hebrews to see in him a foreshadowing of the unique priesthood of Jesus. The background is in Genesis 14:18-20 with Psalm 110:4 and it’s those passages that are taken up in Hebrews 7 about Jesus.

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It’s a long chapter and rather than get bogged down in the detail, we’ll focus today particularly on v.23-26 which set out the important conclusion to the argument. Because Melchizedek’s story records no beginning or end to his priestly work, it becomes a symbol of Jesus who "remains a priest for ever” (3). Other priests died and had to be replaced but “because Jesus lives for ever, he has a permanent priesthood” (24).

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“Therefore” he is able to save for ever "those who come to God through him”. That’s the essential condition, there is no other way. But when we do that, because he is alive and his priesthood is eternal, he is able to plead our cause, with sympathy for our weakness, mercy for our sins, and grace to help us in our need (2:17-18; 4:15-16). “Such a high priest meets our need” (26). That need is great but we have a great high priest who provides us with a great salvation. So never hesitate to come to Jesus – he is able and willing to give you his promised rest (Mt.11:28-30). “Cast all your cares on him, for he cares for you” (1 Pet.5:7).

(To dig a bit deeper into Hebrews 7:1-28 click here for some commentary notes.)