King and Priest
What a great name – Melchizedek. It is thought to mean My God Is God. Scholars not sure that this reference is to God, our God, or as the highest of Canaanite gods. Jesus is said to be of the order of Melchizedek.
In the Jewish religion, starting with Moses’ brother Aaron, all priests were to come from the tribe of Levi. Jesus is not from the tribe of Levi so technically he could not lay claim to being a priest. Jesus is from the tribe of Judah. Why does this matter? Back to Melchizedek.
In Genesis Melchizedek appears out of nowhere. He just is. It is Melchizedek that blesses Abraham. Abraham in turn gives ten percent of what he took in battle. Melchizedek offers Abraham bread and wine. A prophecy of what is to come. But Melchizedek is more than just a priest. He is also the king of Salem.
Salem was later named Jerusalem. The tradition then of Melchizedek is that he is both king and priest. The Bible proclaims Jesus is from the line of Melchizedek. He is not just priest; He is king and priest.
When Jesus gives us the sacrament of baptism, we proclaim that we are also king, prophet, and priest. Through adoption we follow Jesus in the line of Melchizedek. We all have responsibilities that are kingly, of prophecy, and are priestly. They are not the same for all individuals, but we are all united in the Body of Christ.
May the Lord bless you in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit. Amen