Jesus and the Priesthood of Melchizedek

¹¹ So if perfection had in fact been possible through the Levitical priesthood—for on that basis^[a] the people received the law—what further need would there have been for another priest to arise, said to be in the order of Melchizedek and not in Aaron’s order? ¹² For when the priesthood changes, a change in the law must come^[b] as well. ¹³ Yet the one these things are spoken about belongs to^[c] a different tribe, and no one from that tribe^[d] has ever officiated at the altar. ¹⁴ For it is clear that our Lord is descended from Judah, yet Moses said nothing about priests in connection with that tribe. ¹⁵ And this is even clearer if another priest arises in the likeness of Melchizedek, ¹⁶ who has become a priest not by a legal regulation about physical descent^[e] but by the power of an indestructible life. ¹⁷ For here is the testimony about him:^[f] “You are a priest forever in the order of Melchizedek.”^{[g] 18} On the one hand a former command is set aside^[h] because it is weak and useless,^{[i] 19} for the law made nothing perfect. On the other hand a better hope is introduced, through which we draw near to God.