Now consider how great this man was.” Hebrews 7:4 KJV
Now observe how great this man was.” Hebrews 7:4 NASB
The expression from Hebrews 7 actually refers to Melchizedek. But since he is introduced to act as a background for the greatness of Christ, it is fitting to apply these words to Christ. They were spoken of Him when Gabriel announced His advent to Mary. “He shall be great” (Luke 1:32).
The greatness ascribed to Melchizedek in this section is predicated on the fact that he received tithes from Abraham, Israel’s great progenitor. If Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek, then surely Melchizedek must be greater than Abraham.
His greatness is only part of His superiority. He is stronger than the strong man; He is sweeter than the sweetest. He is higher than the highest. He is wiser than the wisest. Whatever virtue ever displayed, whatever attribute ever ascribed to a creature, whatever trait extolled by men, Christ is greater and more wonderful. The bride could exclaim that He is “the summation of all that is lovely” (Songs 5:16).
His greatness is seen in whatever sphere we examine. He is great in His humility – did ever anyone stoop so low or give up so much? He is great in His devotion – did ever anyone display such unswerving devotion to His God? He is great in His victory – did anyone ever accomplish anything to equal the work of Calvary?
Consider:
1. Gather together some of the expressions of Christ’s greatness found in the Gospels and elsewhere. He is greater than the Sabbath, than Solomon, than Jonah; He is greater than Abraham, Jacob, and Moses. Look at the context of each as well.
2. The man who creates something must always be greater and more complex than what he creates. Think of the complexity of creation, even the complexity of a human cell with its miles of DNA and information. Remember that the Creator is greater and more complex than His creation – DNA. If the greatest of human minds cannot, after centuries, plumb the depths of the complexity of the natural creation, can we expect to ever exhaust the depths and heights of the Creator of all things?