I. TEXT

Hebrews 6:19-20 ESV: "We have this as a sure and steadfast anchor of the soul, a hope that enters into the inner place behind the curtain, where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek."

II. Who is Melchizedek, and what did he do? (Hebrews 7:1-3)

• He was a KING. The king of Jeru-"salem" (peace). His name means "king of righteousness" and "king of peace."
• He was a PRIEST. In Genesis 14:18 (KJV), he is called the "priest of the most high God." He had both civil and spiritual authority.
  • Melchizedek came out and brought him some bread and wine. Then Abraham gave a tithe to Melchizedek. In return, Melchizedek gave him a powerful blessing.
• He was a TYPE. He is mentioned in Psalm 110:4 (ESV) in a prophecy: "The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.'"

III. Jesus is greater than...

A. Greater than Abraham (vv. 4-10)

• Abraham gave him TITHES.
  
  • A tithe means a "tenth, top of the heap, best of the spoils." The tithe acknowledges God's ownership, His right to all.
  • It is showing honor of His goodness and His gracious blessing: "Honor the Lord with your wealth and with the firstfruits of all your produce" (Proverbs 3:9 ESV).
• Melchizedek gave Abraham A BLESSING.
  • When you return your tithe to the priest, you receive the blessing. We receive blessing from Jesus; He receives tithes from us.
• Melchizedek demonstrates ETERNAL priesthood.
  • "He is without father or mother or genealogy, having neither beginning of days nor end of life, but resembling the Son of God he continues a priest forever" 
(Hebrews 7:3 ESV).

B. Greater than Aaron and the Law (vv. 11-19)

• Aaron was the high priest under the Law of Moses. His ministry was based upon sacrifice, blood shedding, and atonement. Christ died on the cross then rose again and sat down at the right hand of God.
• It is the difference between law and LIFE.
• "(For the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God" (v. 19 ESV).