Jesus, as the greater Melchizedek, guarantees unshakable hope to those who trust Him in faith. Being the perfect priest of righteousness, we can trust that His blood is sufficient to cover our sins and protect us from God’s wrath.

There are many things in the Bible that are confusing. Scripture is full of spiritual warfare, miracles, and visions that didn’t seem to be understood by the people who received them. However, there are few interactions in Scripture as mysterious as the scene between Abram and Melchizedek in Genesis 14. But what if I told you that this interaction between God’s chosen man and a Mesopotamian king carried a profound significance for understanding Jesus’s person and work? Melchizedek, as a type of Christ, offers a unique way to help our students understand the gospel.

The Mysterious Tale of Melchizedek

Abram and his nephew, Lot, separate their families to survive, in a real “this land ain’t big enough for the both of us” moment. Lot settled in Sodom. During his time there, the city was overthrown, and Lot was taken captive, along with his wealth. Abram heard of it, musters his men, and rescues Lot. As they return, who comes to meet them? Melchizedek.

Melchizedek brings out bread and wine, setting up a kind of victory lunch. He then proceeds to bless Abram, thanking God for delivering and protecting Abram’s family. Abram then responds to Melchizedek’s blessing by giving him a “tenth of everything.” Melchizedek responds by encouraging Abram to keep more of the spoils for himself, but Abram refuses, and the scene abruptly ends. There is no more mention of this mysterious figure. There is no explanation for what has just taken place. He comes and goes without any elaboration on his origins, his importance, or his destiny in the Old Testament.

However, some important details about Melchizedek are mentioned. First, he is identified as the king of a place called Salem (which means peace). Second, his name, translated in Hebrew, literally means “king of righteousness,” and he is identified as a priest of God Most High. This is happening before the Law of Moses was given to the people of God, and yet we find that there is a man, identified as a priest of God and a king of “righteousness and peace,” who establishes a fellowship meal, offers a thanksgiving prayer to God, and blesses God’s chosen family. Finally, the very next chapter is where God elaborates on the nature of the covenant He made with Abram, and then ratifies it Himself.

Not only does there seem to be something mysterious and important about this Melchizedek, but his appearance is also tied in some way to the promises God makes to His people. But no further clarity is given. So what does Melchizedek have to do with the gospel?

Melchizedek and Jesus

Hebrews spends a significant amount of time highlighting the supremacy of Jesus over many figures from the Old Testament: Moses, Abraham, Noah, David, Samuel, etc., famously recorded in chapter 11. But before these examples, there is a rather long detour through a discussion of the Old Testament sacrificial system, covering the animal sacrifices, the Tabernacle, the cleansing rituals, and the Aaronic high priests, showing how Jesus was the fulfillment of each. The foundation of this discussion, however, rests on chapter 7, where none other than Melchizedek takes center stage. The mysterious priest-king from Genesis 14 has an entire chapter dedicated to him! So how does Melchizedek point us to Jesus?

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