A Better Hope – Hebrews 7:11-19
Oct 9, 2025 165
Hebrews 7:11-19
[11] Now if perfection had been attainable through the Levitical priesthood (for under it the people received the law), what further need would there have been for another priest to arise after the order of Melchizedek, rather than one named after the order of Aaron? [12] For when there is a change in the priesthood, there is necessarily a change in the law as well. [13] For the one of whom these things are spoken belonged to another tribe, from which no one has ever served at the altar. [14] For it is evident that our Lord was descended from Judah, and in connection with that tribe Moses said nothing about priests.
[15] This becomes even more evident when another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, [16] who has become a priest, not on the basis of a legal requirement concerning bodily descent, but by the power of an indestructible life. [17] For it is witnessed of him, “You are a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek.”
[18] For on the one hand, a former commandment is set aside because of its weakness and uselessness [19] (for the law made nothing perfect); but on the other hand, a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God. (ESV)
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The Old Couldn’t Make Us Whole
The old system wasn’t bad; it just wasn’t enough. The law showed us what holiness looked like, but it couldn’t make us holy. The sacrifices kept coming, the priests kept dying, and the ache for lasting peace remained. God used those offerings to cover sin until Christ came to take it away once and for all.
If the old covenant could make people perfect, Psalm 110 would never have promised another priest to come. God designed the old system to be temporary – because He always planned to bring something better.
The Power of an Indestructible Life
Jesus didn’t become a priest through ancestry or ritual. He didn’t qualify by bloodline but by the power of an indestructible life. His resurrection proved that his priesthood can’t be stopped by death.
The writer says, “The law made nothing perfect, but a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.” That’s the heart of it: access. The law could keep you at a distance; Jesus brings you close.
Because he lives forever, his help never runs out. Because He reigns forever, His welcome never expires.
The Good News Is…
You don’t need to climb your way to God – He’s already come near in Christ. The priesthood changed because our access changed.
Jesus tore down the curtain. He ended the old rituals. He opened the way once and for all.
Now the invitation is simple: draw near.
You don’t come through your record, your role, or your reputation. You come through Jesus – the better hope who holds you fast.
Reflection
Where do you still look for your sense of being “enough”? Ask the Father to help you let go of self-reliance and rest in Jesus—the one who perfectly bridges the gap and draws you near.
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