Overview of Hebrews 4:14–7:28

The central section of this sermon-letter explores its main point (Heb. 8:1), the superior high priestly ministry of Jesus in contrast to the priestly mediation of the Aaronic priests descended from the tribe of Levi. This discussion has two parts: First, our preacher shows that Jesus’ qualifications for priestly office in the order of Melchizedek, foretold in Psalm 110:4, surpass those of the priests descended from Aaron (Heb. 4:14–7:28). Second, he demonstrates how Jesus’ priestly ministry is superior with respect to the heavenly sanctuary in which he serves and the conscience-cleansing sacrifice he has offered (8:1–10:31). At this point in the sermon (4:14), emphasis shifts from Christ’s role in revelation—his superiority to prophets, angels, and Moses (1:1–4:13)—to Christ’s role in reconciliation—his superiority to the OT priestly office associated with the tribe of Levi and the family of Aaron and to the animal sacrifices those priests offered in Israel’s earthly sanctuary.

Hebrews 4:14–7:28 directs our attention to the qualifications authorizing Jesus to be our “great high priest” (4:14), “a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God” on our behalf, as he was previously described (2:17). In order to be the merciful intercessor that weak sinners need, Jesus must be fully human, tempted, and acquainted by personal experience with weakness and suffering (4:14–5:3, 7–8). He must also be appointed by God, not self-nominated, to the privilege of standing on others’ behalf in the presence of the Holy One (5:4–6, 9–10). In both of these respects Jesus’ priestly qualifications and appointment resemble Aaron’s. But Jesus’ qualifications are better than Aaron’s, for he is the royal priest “after the order of Melchizedek,” foretold in Psalm 110:4. This priesthood derives its authority not from a principle of genealogical descent traced back through Aaron to Levi but from an oath sworn by God himself, which secures this priest’s office “forever” by “the power of an indestructible life” (Heb. 7:1–28).

Jesus’ superior, eternal priestly office, fulfilling the pattern left by the mysterious Melchizedek of Genesis 14, is a theme on which much needs to be said. But the hearers’ dullness of ears will make it “hard to explain” (Heb. 5:11). Therefore, amid his elaboration of Jesus’ Melchizedek-like priestly appointment, our preacher again embeds a bracing exhortation. He calls his hearers to grow up by imitating Abraham’s faith, for God’s oath gives us every reason to trust his promises (5:11–6:20).