Therefore he had to be made like his brothers and sisters in every respect, so that he could become a merciful and faithful high priest in things relating to God, to make atonement for the sins of the people.

Jesus and Moses

Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, partners in a heavenly calling, take note of Jesus, the apostle and high priest whom we confess,

Jesus Our Compassionate High Priest

Therefore since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast to our confession.

For we do not have a high priest incapable of sympathizing with our weaknesses, but one who has been tempted in every way just as we are, yet without sin.

For every high priest is taken from among the people and appointed to represent them before God, to offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.

So also Christ did not glorify himself in becoming high priest, but the one who glorified him was God, who said to him, “You are my Son! Today I have fathered you,”

as also in another place God says, “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

and he was designated by God as high priest in the order of Melchizedek.

where Jesus our forerunner entered on our behalf, since he became a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.

The Nature of Melchizedek’s Priesthood

Now this Melchizedek, king of Salem, priest of the most high God, met Abraham as he was returning from defeating the kings and blessed him.

Without father, without mother, without genealogy, he has neither beginning of days nor end of life but is like the son of God, and he remains a priest for all time.

And those of the sons of Levi who receive the priestly office have authorization according to the law to collect a tithe from the people, that is, from their fellow countrymen, although they too are descendants of Abraham.

Jesus and the Priesthood of Melchizedek

So if perfection had in fact been possible through the Levitical priesthood—for on that basis the people received the law—what further need would there have been for another priest to arise, said to be in the order of Melchizedek and not in Aaron’s order?

For when the priesthood changes, a change in the law must come as well.

For it is clear that our Lord is descended from Judah, yet Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe.

And this is even clearer if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek,

who has become a priest not by a legal regulation about physical descent but by the power of an indestructible life.

For here is the testimony about him: “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”

And since this was not done without a sworn affirmation—for the others have become priests without a sworn affirmation,

but Jesus did so with a sworn affirmation by the one who said to him, “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever’”—

And the others who became priests were numerous, because death prevented them from continuing in office,

but he holds his priesthood permanently since he lives forever.

For it is indeed fitting for us to have such a high priest: holy, innocent, undefiled, separate from sinners, and exalted above the heavens.

He has no need to do every day what those priests do, to offer sacrifices first for their own sins and then for the sins of the people, since he did this in offering himself once for all.

For the law appoints as high priests men subject to weakness, but the word of solemn affirmation that came after the law appoints a son made perfect forever.