Christ as Priest

 •  1 min. read  •  grade level: 9
The Aaronic priesthood is characterized by atonement and intercession: that of Melchizedek is characterized by power and Messing. Christ is "the high priest of our profession." as Christians. He will be, as a result, "priest of the Most High God" God's millennial name.
The order of His priesthood is that of Melchizedek. Its exercise at present is after the pattern or character of Aaron, that is, intercessional. He was "called" to the priesthood by the word of Him that said unto Him, "Thou art My Son, to-day have I begotten Thee." Heb. 5:55So also Christ glorified not himself to be made an high priest; but he that said unto him, Thou art my Son, to day have I begotten thee. (Hebrews 5:5). This has reference to His being the Son of God. as horn of a woman, and born in time on earth. Compare Psa. 2:77I will declare the decree: the Lord hath said unto me, Thou art my Son; this day have I begotten thee. (Psalm 2:7) and Luke 1:3535And the angel answered and said unto her, The Holy Ghost shall come upon thee, and the power of the Highest shall overshadow thee: therefore also that holy thing which shall be born of thee shall be called the Son of God. (Luke 1:35). This is distinct from His being God's eternal Son.
He is installed in His priesthood after the order of Melchizedek as having gone on high when He had been rejected on earth, had died and risen, and had ascended to heaven. Compare Heb. 5:66As he saith also in another place, Thou art a priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec. (Hebrews 5:6) and Psa. 1
He was perfected for His priesthood (especially for its present exercise), "in the days of His flesh." through strong crying and tears, and His pathway of sorrow and suffering. Then He went on high. (Heb. 5:7-9: Mar. 14:33-40: Luke 22:40-5340And when he was at the place, he said unto them, Pray that ye enter not into temptation. 41And he was withdrawn from them about a stone's cast, and kneeled down, and prayed, 42Saying, Father, if thou be willing, remove this cup from me: nevertheless not my will, but thine, be done. 43And there appeared an angel unto him from heaven, strengthening him. 44And being in an agony he prayed more earnestly: and his sweat was as it were great drops of blood falling down to the ground. 45And when he rose up from prayer, and was come to his disciples, he found them sleeping for sorrow, 46And said unto them, Why sleep ye? rise and pray, lest ye enter into temptation. 47And while he yet spake, behold a multitude, and he that was called Judas, one of the twelve, went before them, and drew near unto Jesus to kiss him. 48But Jesus said unto him, Judas, betrayest thou the Son of man with a kiss? 49When they which were about him saw what would follow, they said unto him, Lord, shall we smite with the sword? 50And one of them smote the servant of the high priest, and cut off his right ear. 51And Jesus answered and said, Suffer ye thus far. And he touched his ear, and healed him. 52Then Jesus said unto the chief priests, and captains of the temple, and the elders, which were come to him, Be ye come out, as against a thief, with swords and staves? 53When I was daily with you in the temple, ye stretched forth no hands against me: but this is your hour, and the power of darkness. (Luke 22:40‑53).) Having gone through all this, He was "called of God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek" ( Heb. 5:1010Called of God an high priest after the order of Melchisedec. (Hebrews 5:10)), when He ascended into the heavens. There and then He first practically exercised His priesthood. When He comes forth again He will exercise it after its true order, as Melchizedek. F.G. Patterson