Jesus Christ and Melchizedek

Many comparisons can be made between Jesus Christ and the mysterious person of Melchizedek. This is simply because Melchizedek was a type of Christ. He was a foreshadowing of our Lord and Savior who was to come.

In Hebrews chapter seven, we learn that Melchizedek was "without father, without mother, without descendant, having neither beginning of days or end of life". Jesus Christ has these same attributes. According to the scriptures, Jesus was conceived by the Holy Spirit and born from a virgin. He did not take a wife and consequently had no descendants. Jesus was and is the living God, uncreated and here before time began. Lastly, even though Jesus was crucified on the cross, He rose from the dead. Therefore, His life did not end.

Jesus and Melchizedek were both priests of the Most High God. They were not of the Aaronic priesthood, which was typical of Israelite priests. They both enjoyed a royal priesthood which transcended the typical priesthood.

Melchizedek was the King of Salem. Therefore, his names meant "peace" and "King of righteousness". These are also names of Jesus Christ. He is the Prince of Peace and the King of All - having perfect righteousness.

Lastly, Jesus and Melchizedek were both called "great" High Priests. The writer of Hebrews recognized Jesus’ greatness by mentioning His sinlessness. Abraham recognized Melchizedek’s greatness by giving him tithes.