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24). He is also referred to prophetically in help in time of need (4:14-16). He is able
the Psalms as foreshadowing the future to succour them that are tempted (2:17-
millennial reign of Christ (Psa 110:4). In 18). He also gives us hope in that He has
Hebrews, however, the emphasis is on already entered heaven, “within the veil,”
the doctrinal significance of the superior where He ever lives to make intercession
priesthood of Melchisedec, being an order for us (6:19; 7:25).
of sympathy and succour. With all that Christ is doing on our
Although Melchisedec was both a king behalf, we are exhorted to enter the holi-
and a priest, there was no record of his est and go in boldly to find the help we
birth or death. Abraham acknowledged need (10:19). Thus fortified, we can go on
his superiority and was blessed by his patiently in the race set before us (12:1).
ministry. These background observa- Finally, we are called to go forth bravely
tions support the writer’s conclusion that “unto him without the camp, bearing his
Christ’s priesthood has surpassed that of reproach” (13:13). We are to take sides
Aaron. Christ alone is referred to as “a with Christ whom the world rejected
great high priest” (4:14). He came not from when they gave Him the outside place
the tribe of Levi but from the kingly line of and crucified Him.
Judah (7:14). His priesthood is described Christ As Our Mediator (1Ti
repeatedly in this way: “Thou art a priest
for ever after the order of Melchisedec” 2:5)
(5:6; 7:21-25). Now, following His resur- Although similar to priesthood, His
rection, He continues in this ministry of specific ministry as Mediator means that
support at “the right hand of the throne as a go-between He understands our need
of the Majesty in the heavens” (8:1). He as sinners while knowing the claims of a
will never die again and so His priest- holy God. The absolute deity and perfect
hood is “unchangeable” (7:24), meaning humanity of Christ were integral to His
that it will never need to be transferred fitness in the matter of our salvation. Job in
to another. his day looked for such a one – a daysman
The writer is pressing home this asser- – but found none (Job 9:33). We rejoice
tion to encourage the believers, formerly in that we have found the One, the only
practising Jews, who were facing the pres- one, who could answer our every need.
sure of persecution for their faith in Christ. The great ransom price He paid involved
Some might have been tempted to go back the voluntary giving of Himself, holding
to the familiar rituals of Judaism they had nothing back. This is love’s prerogative –
once known. The writer shows that in to give, and give, and give. Dying there
Christ they had a perfect representative at Calvary, He has given us life; bound to
before God. Although He was perfectly the cross, He has given us freedom; and
sinless, our Lord faced the challenges forsaken there, He has given us a place in
and tests of being human. Similarly, for the family of God. The provision He made
us today He knows and understands our there was limitless – sufficient “for all.”
frailty, and in His sympathy He is touched As mediator of the New Covenant (Heb
with the feeling of our infirmities. We can 8:6; 9:15; 12:24), Christ has ratified it by His
come boldly before Him, unto the throne sacrificial death and guaranteed it by the
of grace, to obtain mercy and find grace to shedding of His blood. The terms of the
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