If perfection could have been attained through the Levitical priesthood—and indeed the law given to the people established that priesthood—why was there still need for another priest to come, one in the order of Melchizedek, not in the order of Aaron? 12 For when the priesthood is changed, the law must be changed also. 13 He of whom these things are said belonged to a different tribe, and no one from that tribe has ever served at the altar. 14 For it is clear that our Lord descended from Judah, and in regard to that tribe Moses said nothing about priests. 15 And what we have said is even more clear if another priest like Melchizedek appears, 16 one who has become a priest not on the basis of a regulation as to his ancestry but on the basis of the power of an indestructible life. 17 For it is declared:

“You are a priest forever,
    in the order of Melchizedek.”

18 The former regulation is set aside because it was weak and useless 19 (for the law made nothing perfect), and a better hope is introduced, by which we draw near to God.

“The message of Easter is that God’s new world has been unveiled in Jesus Christ and that you’re now invited to belong to it.” (N. T. Wright).

‘If the ministry of the Levitical or Aaronic priesthood had been spiritually effective, it would have been quite unnecessary for God to have sent another priest after Melchizedek’s order rather than Levi’s. Jesus did not belong to the tribe of Levi but to the tribe of Judah, and that tribe was not allowed to present its male members for the Jewish priesthood (7;13-14). The necessary authentication for Christ’s priesthood is not a legal requirement like physical membership of a specified tribe, but his vindication and attestation by God at his resurrection. By the power of an indestructible life he lives eternally and can serve as our effective and only mediator, a priest for ever. The old Jewish order of priesthood is thus set aside because of its inadequacy, its weakness and uselessness and its imperfection, for the law made nothing perfect. The saving work of Christ has introduced a better hope and it is by this way, and this way alone, that we draw near to God.’ (Raymond Brown: ‘Christ above all’, p.130).

‘Because He is a Priest forever, He saves forever (vv.23-25). ”To the uttermost” means ”completely,” ”perfectly.” You are secure as long as He lives, and He lives eternally. You can live by the power of His endless life!’ (Warren W. Wiersbe’, ‘With the Word’, p.818).

Praise God for the indestructibility of the Lord Jesus Christ – and for all this means for those of us who are in Him.

“I know the resurrection is a fact, and Watergate proved it to me. How? Because 12 men testified they had seen Jesus raised from the dead, then they proclaimed that truth for 40 years, never once denying it. Every one was beaten, tortured, stoned and put in prison. They would not have endured that if it weren’t true. Watergate embroiled 12 of the most powerful men in the world-and they couldn’t keep a lie for three weeks. You’re telling me 12 apostles could keep a lie for 40 years? Absolutely impossible.” (Charles Colson).