We are Called to Be Priests: The Mystery of Aaron & Melchizedek

What is the priesthood of Melchizedek, and how is it different from the priesthood of Aaron? In this Bible teaching, Gene Edwards explores two lines of priesthood found throughout Scripture and shows how they point to Jesus Christ, our King and High Priest.

Beginning with Zechariah, Hebrews, Psalm 110, Genesis, Exodus, and Revelation, Gene traces a remarkable biblical pattern: priesthood and kingship repeatedly appear together. Melchizedek was both a king and a priest. Jesus Christ fulfills this reality perfectly as both King and High Priest.

But what does this mean for Christians today?

Gene describes two dimensions of priestly ministry. In the line of Aaron, the priest brings man to God. Aaron carried the names of God’s people before the Lord, bearing them upon his shoulders. In the same way, believers are called to come before God, offering themselves to Him, carrying their brothers and sisters before the Lord, and allowing God to deal deeply with their lives.

The line of Melchizedek moves in the other direction. Melchizedek came to Abraham with bread and wine. Gene uses this picture to describe God imparting His divine life to His people. We first come before God carrying others; then we leave His presence having received something of Christ that can nourish and strengthen others.

This becomes a powerful picture of Christian fellowship and the functioning of the Body of Christ: bring people to God, receive the life of Christ, and then carry that life to others.

Gene also explores the Lord’s Supper, the throne and kingdom of Christ, the royal priesthood of believers, the building up of the church, and what it means for Christians to minister spiritual life to one another.