Hebrews 5-7. Jesus Christ is Greater than Melchizedek

Read Hebrews 5:4; Numbers 27:18, 23; Doctrine and Covenants 42:11; Articles of Faith 1:5. From these verses describe in writing the Lord’s approved pattern for how someone comes to be a priesthood leader. How do we know who has authority in the Church today?

The Lord’s approved pattern:

The person has been called by the Spirit / revelation

In order to become a priesthood leaders, you need to ordained by the laying on of hands by those who has proper authority. 

Each one of us has the spirit of revelation to help us to determine whether or not what are leaders saying is true.

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

o       Why was Melchizedek considered a great high priest?

The Book of Mormon (Alma 13) explains that there were many before and many after but none greater. He was a man who was righteous. He established peace and righteous in his city. It is called Melchizedek priesthood because they didn’t want Christ overused. He is considered a great high priest because he was righteous and let his kingdom righteous. He was living with wicked people but still exercise his faith.

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

Stopped the mouths of lions, and quenched the violence of fire.

o       What Old Testament prophet did Melchizedek bless?

He blessed Abraham.

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

Doctrine and Covenants 107:2-4 tells us the first is called the Melchizedek Priesthood is because Melchizedek was such a great high priest…… out of respect or reverence to the name of the Supreme Being, to avoid the too frequent repetition of his name, they, the church, in ancient days, called that priesthood after Melchizedek, or the Melchizedek Priesthood.

Read Hebrews 6:1-3. Then write answers to the following questions:

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

The Greek translation of leaving points to leaving behind the beginning (first principles) of the doctrine. The JST version of this corrects this and says “NOT leaving”.

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

The first principles of the gospel are the foundation of the gospel. Without faith, we cannot be saved. Without repentance, we cannot become perfected through the atonement. Without baptism, we cannot be cleansed so that we can make covenants and enter the Kingdom clean before God. And without the Holy Ghost, we do not have the Spirit of Revelation to guide us through this life, along with the blessings He brings. There is no way that we can be perfected without these first principles. 

Read Hebrews 6:4-6; Alma 24:30; Doctrine and Covenants 76:31-38 and the 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.

A person has to deny the Holy Ghost and Jesus Christ once they have accepted them as true. They must, “say that the sun does not shine while he sees it; he has got to deny Jesus Christ when the heavens have been opened unto him, and to deny the plan of salvation with his eyes open to the truth of it.” The eventual punishment is that they will not be forgiven of sins but will be cast out to outer darkness with the devil.

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.

Melchezidek was so great that he was considered a better man even than Abraham, and was able to bless him. He was in charge of tithes before the Levites, and the Levites were allowed that privilege because Melchezidek blessed Levi through Abraham.

• In what ways is Melchizedek similar to, or a prototype of, the Savior?

He brought peace to Salem as its prince and king, so he was called the Prince of Peace. Brought righteousness to his kingdom, and was called King of Heaven and King of Peace.

• Who is Hebrew 7:3 speaking of?

The verse speaking of all worthy priesthood holders.

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

The priesthood brings people closer to Christ. Christ made an oath and received the Melchezidek priesthood. He did not need to offer sacrifices like other priests because He was above the law, and was able to sacrifice Himself for the world. The highest priests make an oath.