… ²⁴ but Jesus, on the other hand, because He continues forever, holds His priesthood permanently.

Eternity is a strange concept—to us mere humans. We are so time dependent that any perception of existence apart from the sequence of before and after stretches the imagination. Yet in this passage we are invited to consider this individual Jesus, identified earlier as the Son (1:2) with words like “continues forever” and “permanently.” Our most profound contemplations produce only a hint of the reality.

In the previous verse we saw the contrast of the earthly, Levitical priesthood. This capitulates to the Law that says, “… you shall anoint [the priests] even as you have anointed their father, that they may minister as priests to Me; and their anointing will qualify them for a perpetual priesthood throughout their generations” (Ex 40:15). But while that priesthood was to be perpetual, it was limited in two ways. First no one priest would last in his office more than his own life span. And furthermore the priesthood as an institution would last only “through their generations.” It was perpetual, but not permanent.

Jesus, “on the other hand … continues forever,” and therefore His priestly institution (according to Melchizedek) would endure timelessly as well. His was an “indestructible life” (7:16) and He had “… neither beginning of days nor end of life” (7:3). So the superiority of Jesus as a priest who is greater than the Levitical priesthood is further elucidated by His eternality.

We are reminded of Jesus’ comments to the religious leaders when He declared, “Before Abraham was, I am” (John 8:58 NKJV). John the forerunner, said, “After me comes a Man who has a higher rank than I, for He existed before me.” (John 1:30). And death could not hold Him; He rose again and continues as our priest. He is our Advocate (1 John 2:1) and He is the propitiation for our sins (1 John 2:2). These are in the present tense, but not in the sense of here today and gone tomorrow. They are eternally present; they are enduring, permanent present tense. His priestly sacrifice is not just an event in the past with enduring results. The sacrifice is permanently and enduringly offered up. The physical event of the crucifixion took place in time and space, but if that is all there was, then Jesus’ priesthood would no longer be needed. Our text states emphatically in the present tense, He “holds His priesthood permanently.” So, His sacrificial act goes beyond time and space. Is it any wonder we see Him in the vision of the future as a Lamb “standing as if slain” (Rev 5:6).

Lord, I depend completely upon Your permanent intercession on my behalf before Your Father. You are my priest forever! Thank you.