JESUS IS GREATER THAN ABRAHAM
When Jesus was talking about the lineage of the Jews, they asked Him, “Are You greater than our father Abraham?
” Are you greater than our father Abraham? He died, and so did the prophets. Who do you think you are?”
( John 8: 53 )
His answer surprised them: “Your father Abraham rejoiced at the thought of seeing My day.” From this answer, we understand that Abraham longed to see the day of Jesus.
This shows that Jesus’ position is higher than Abraham’s. Because of this, we should listen to the words of Jesus.
For he is sent by God. He speaks God’s words, for God gives him the Spirit without limit. ( John 3: 34 )
Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, who had no father, mother, or lineage and had no end of life. This is similar to the priesthood of Jesus Christ. Abraham gave Melchizedek a tithes of all. His name means, first, “King of Righteousness,” and secondly, “King of Salem”—King of Peace. He has no father, no mother, or lineage. His days have no beginning, and his span has no end. Like the Son of God, he is a priest forever.
Then Abraham took a tenth of all he had captured in battle and gave it to Melchizedek. The name Melchizedek means “king of justice,” and king of Salem means “king of peace.” 3 There is no record of his father or mother or any of his ancestors—no beginning or end to his life. He remains a priest forever, resembling the Son of God. ( Hebrews 7: 2- 3 )
At that time, since Abraham did not have children as, they were not born. So Jacob, who was from Abraham’s second generation, and Jacob’s son Levi, (who also was not born) ,was the descendants of Abraham. From Levi came the priesthood. But still Abraham, the father of all the lineage of Levi, gave the tithe to Melchizedek.
Thus, we must understand that the order of priesthood of Melchizedek, later existed in Jesus. The tithe given by Abraham to Melchizedek connects to the orderly priesthood of Melchizedek. Like Melchizedek, Jesus Christ is a priest forever. Therefore, neither the role of the Levitical priesthood nor its successors are appropriate for Christians. This is because the one who receives the tithe is greater than the one who gives it. Abraham gave his tithe to Jesus through Melchizedek.
Consider then how great this Melchizedek was. Even Abraham, the great patriarch of Israel, recognized this by giving him a tenth of what he had taken in battle. 5Now the law of Moses required that the priests, who are descendants of Levi, must collect a tithe from the rest of the people of Israel,[a] who are also descendants of Abraham. 6 But Melchizedek, who was not a descendant of Levi, collected a tenth from Abraham. And Melchizedek placed a blessing upon Abraham, the one who had already received the promises of God. 7 And without question, the person who has the power to give a blessing is greater than the one who is blessed. 8 The priests who collect tithes are men who die, so Melchizedek is greater than they are, because we are told that he lives on. 9 In addition, we might even say that these Levites—the ones who collect the tithe—paid a tithe to Melchizedek when their ancestor Abraham paid a tithe to him. ( Hebrews 7: 4- 9 )
Many prophets in the Old Testament, including the righteous Abraham and other righteous people, wanted to see Jesus.
I tell you the truth, many prophets and righteous people longed to see what you see, but they didn’t see it. And they longed to hear what you hear, but they didn’t hear it. ( Matthew 13: 17 )
When Jesus was born, there was great joy in heaven, and the angels sang songs. At the same time, Abraham rejoiced to see that day.
Your father Abraham rejoiced as he looked forward to my coming. He saw it and was glad.” ( John 8: 56 )
All the prophets who spoke about the salvation of Jesus eagerly sought to know Him.
This salvation was something even the prophets wanted to know more about when they prophesied about this gracious salvation prepared for you. 11 They wondered what time or situation the Spirit of Christ within them was talking about when he told them in advance about Christ’s suffering and his great glory afterward. 12 They were told that their messages were not for themselves, but for you. And now this Good News has been announced to you by those who preached in the power of the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. It is all so wonderful that even the angels are eagerly watching these things happen.
( 1 Peter 1: 10- 12 )
Many anointed kings wished to see Jesus but they could not.
Jesus replied, “What does the law of Moses say? How do you read it?” ( Luke 10: 26 )
This shows how much greater Jesus Christ is than anyone.