Jesus Becomes the Great High Priest

Twenty-third Sunday of Pentcost

Genesis 14: 17 - 24

Psalm 110

Hebrews 7

Hebrews 9

Hebrews 10

This long discussion of Jesus' life after death in Hebrews is the basis of Martin Luther's belief in the priesthood of all believers.

Just like Melchizedek, who served Abraham as high priest from his own decision, Jesus did not trace his ancestry through a priestly line.

But Jesus was chosen by God to be a once-in-a-lifetime sacrifice for his own and everyone's lives, not to be part of a ritual that was performed once a year.

With Jesus as high priest, Christians serve one another as preachers, confessors, teachers, healers,and loyal colleagues in their service to God.