Jesus Christ is Greater than Melchizedek

Hebrews 5:4; Numbers 27:18, 23; Doctrine and Covenants 42:11; Articles of Faith 1:5. 

The Lord’s approved pattern for becoming a priesthood leader is being called of God by prophecy and by the laying on of hands by those who are in authority to give the priesthood, to preach the gospel and administer in the ordinances of it. We know who has authority in the church today because they have been called of God and have been appointed in their callings through the laying on of hands by those who have been called of God by revelation.

Hebrews 5:7-8; Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:25-40; institute student manual commentary for Hebrews 5:7-8, “Does the Phrase ‘Though He Were a Son’ Apply to Melchizedek, to Christ, or to Both?” (p. 384). 

o Why was Melchizedek considered a great high priest?

Melchizedek was considered a great high priest because he was a prototype of Christ. You did not need to have a great or grand lineage in order to receive this priesthood; it is based solely on righteousness in order to receive the higher priesthood. 

o Here are a few of the miracles he performed according to Joseph Smith Translation, Genesis 14:25-40.

Melchizedek blessed Abram, he quenched the violence of fire, and he had the power to break mountains, divide the seas, and dry up waters, put at defiance the armies of nations, divide the earth, breaks bands, and stand in the presence of God. He had the power of God to work any miracle that God wanted him to perform because he was righteous and had the authority to use the priesthood he was conferred upon. 

o What Old Testament prophet did Melchizedek bless?

Melchizedek blessed Abraham.

o Read Doctrine and Covenants 107:2-4 and explain why we call the greater priesthood the Melchizedek Priesthood.

We didn't want to use God's name in vain, so the church instead called the priesthood by Melchizedek's name.

3. Hebrews 6:1-3

o What important doctrinal correction did Joseph Smith make in Hebrews 6:1? (See footnote a).

Joseph Smith made the correction of saying, “not leaving the principles of the doctrine of Christ, let us go on to perfection.” 

o Why is it important that a person not leave behind faith, repentance, baptism, and the gift of the Holy Ghost?

It’s important that a person not leave behind those principles because we need the principles of the gospel in order to become more like Christ and ultimately gain exaltation. Without that correction, that verse wouldn’t match up with any of the doctrine that our church teaches and many people would take hold of that and run with it, living like people nowadays where “eat, drink, and be merry” is the attitude of gaining exaltation.

4. Hebrews 6:4-6; Alma 24:30; Doctrine and Covenants 76:31-38; institute student manual commentary for Hebrews 6:4-6, “What Must People Do in Order to ‘Crucify To Themselves the Son of God Afresh, and Put Him to an Open Shame’?” (p.385). According to Matthew 12:31, how serious is the sin described in Hebrews 6:4-6? Write what a person must do to become a son of perdition and what the eventual punishment will be.

Matthew says that denying the Holy Ghost is a sin that cannot be forgivable. A person must deny the Holy Ghost and openly mock Christ in order to become sons of perdition. The eventual punishment will be facing the wrath of God and living with the devil in "a lake of fire and brimstone." 

5. What does Hebrews 7:1-6 teach you about the greatness of Melchizedek? List the ways that Melchizedek is similar to or a prototype of the Savior (refer to JST, Genesis 14:25-40 if needed). Read the institute student manual commentary for Hebrews 7:3, “Was Melchizedek ‘Without Father, Without Mother, Without Descent’?” (p. 385). Identify in writing who Hebrews 7:3 is speaking of.

It teaches us that Melchizedek is a King of righteousness and peace. He is like the Savior and is a great priest. He was trusted to gather the tithes of the people. Melchizedek is similar to the Savior because he is a king of righteousness and peace, he is “without father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor end of life…abideth a priest continually.” He devoted his life to the gospel and to being a priest, he was obedient, just as Christ was. Hebrews 7:3 is speaking of Melchizedek and the likeness that he bears to Christ.

6. Read Hebrews 7:15-28. Describe in writing what Paul taught about the priesthood and about Jesus Christ.

Paul teaches us that Christ is more powerful than the Levite priesthood, and that there has to be another priesthood out there that is unchangeable and needs to be the same priesthood Melchizedek had, which means it has to be a higher priesthood and a higher law.