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Hebrews 7:11-28, A Priest Like Melchizedek

Narrative Lectionary Key Verse for Today

Unlike the other high priests, he has no need to offer sacrifices day after day, first for his own sins, and then for those of the people; this he did once for all when he offered himself.
— Hebrews 7:27

NL Daily Devotion for Friday, July 26, 2019

by R. Fergus Moir, Clergy Stuff

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Melchizedek was a different kind of high priest. He was around long before the line of Jewish priests descended through Aaron after the Exodus, way back to the time of Abraham. For all we know, he was the very first priest of the “Most High God.” Comparing Jesus as a high priest to Melchizedek connects Jesus to something far older and far deeper than the human line of priests descended from Aaron. Why? Because Jesus is a different kind of high priest. He didn’t offer sacrifices day after day after day for his own sins and for the people. He, who had no sin, offered himself once and for all, so that we would be free.

We can’t define Jesus in our own terms, can’t try to make him fit into a mold based on our societal structures, can’t hold him to our own expectations. Jesus transforms everything we think we know through his incomprehensible love and grace.

God, open my eyes to see Jesus’ transforming grace and love in all things. Amen.