Hebrews 6:20
where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The phrase "forerunner" (prodromos) here isn't just about Jesus going ahead; it highlights a radical difference from earthly priests. Unlike a Levitical high priest who entered the Most Holy Place alone to represent people without them ever following, Jesus' entry as forerunner means He’s paving the way so that we can eventually enter into God’s presence ourselves.
The author pauses a potentially sharp warning about spiritual immaturity to pivot back to a deep truth about Jesus's priestly ministry. This verse brings the discussion of Jesus's eternal priesthood, after the unique order of Melchizedek, back into focus after a brief, urgent detour about the dangers of falling away. It emphasizes that Jesus has already entered the heavenly sanctuary as our ultimate forerunner, making the way for us.
Think about the last time you arrived somewhere new. Was the path clear, or did someone go ahead to prepare it for you? Jesus did just that for us, but in the most incredible way imaginable.
The verse calls Jesus a "forerunner." This isn't just someone who shows up early; it's someone who goes ahead to clear obstacles, prepare the way, and make it safe for others to follow.
Going Where We Can't
Imagine the ancient Holy of Holies, the innermost sanctuary of the temple. Only the High Priest could enter, and only once a year, for a specific ritual.
But Jesus, our High Priest, didn't just enter that place; he entered the true sanctuary – heaven itself. And he didn't go as a representative performing a ritual; he went as our forerunner.
What This Means For Us
Throughout history, priesthoods have changed, rituals have ended, and high priests have come and gone. But Jesus' priesthood is different. It's eternal and stands apart.
The verse concludes by stating Jesus is "a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." This is a profound declaration that sets Jesus apart from all other priests, both in His time and ours.
The Order of Melchizedek
Understand the original words
prodromos · Greek Noun
One who goes ahead to prepare the way or secure a position for those who are to follow, indicating that Jesus has opened the way to God's presence for all believers.
archiereus · Greek Noun
A mediator between God and man who offers sacrifices for sin; Jesus is the perfect, eternal High Priest who offered Himself as the final sacrifice.
taxin Melchisedek · Greek Noun phrase
A royal priesthood characterized by being without genealogical record, representing a priesthood that is superior to the Levitical line and eternal in duration.
This passage directly echoes the idea of Jesus going ahead to prepare a place for us, reinforcing His role as a forerunner paving the way to God's presence.
Hebrews 10:19-20These verses explain the practical outcome of Jesus' high-priestly work: access into the very presence of God, which is directly enabled by Him going as our forerunner.
Psalm 110:4This Old Testament psalm is the foundational text for Jesus' priesthood after the order of Melchizedek, showing the ancient prophetic basis for His eternal role.
Romans 8:34This verse highlights Jesus' ongoing intercessory work in heaven, underscoring the continued relevance of His high-priestly role as our advocate before God.
ellicottHebrews 6:20: "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."
(20) Whither the forerunner. —Rather, Whither, as forerunner, Jesus entered for us, having become High Priest after the order of Melchizedek for ever. The Jewish high priest entered the Holiest Place by himself—a representative but not a leader. Jesus has entered the true sanctuary ( Hebrews 9:24 ) that He may give His people entrance there ( Hebrews 10:19 ; John 14…
pooleHebrews 6:20: "Whither the forerunner is for us entered, even Jesus, made an high priest for ever after the order of Melchisedec."
Whither the forerunner is for us entered: this heaven is actually possessed for us already by a harbinger, who came at his Father’s word to fit and prepare us for it, and then again returned in our nature, and as our Head and Representative he hath entered, made the way open, and paved the coast for us thither, and made it plain and safe; and having taken real and f…
The phrase "forerunner" (prodromos) here isn't just about Jesus going ahead; it highlights a radical difference from earthly priests. Unlike a Levitical high priest who entered the Most Holy Place alone to represent people without them ever following, Jesus' entry as forerunner means He’s paving the way so that we can eventually enter into God’s presence ourselves.
The author pauses a potentially sharp warning about spiritual immaturity to pivot back to a deep truth about Jesus's priestly ministry. This verse brings the discussion of Jesus's eternal priesthood, after the unique order of Melchizedek, back into focus after a brief, urgent detour about the dangers of falling away. It emphasizes that Jesus has already entered the heavenly sanctuary as our ultimate forerunner, making the way for us.
The author pauses a potentially sharp warning about spiritual immaturity to pivot back to a deep truth about Jesus's priestly ministry. This verse brings the discussion of Jesus's eternal priesthood, after the unique order of Melchizedek, back into focus after a brief, urgent detour about the dangers of falling away. It emphasizes that Jesus has already entered the heavenly sanctuary as our ultimate forerunner, making the way for us.
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Melchizedek was a mysterious, ancient king and priest mentioned briefly in Genesis. He blessed Abraham, and Abraham gave him a tenth of everything. He represents a priesthood that is greater than the Levitical priesthood (which came from Abraham's line) because he predates it and is shown to be superior to Abraham himself.
Why This Matters for Us:
"where Jesus has gone as a forerunner on our behalf, having become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek." — The phrase "forerunner" (prodromos) here isn't just about Jesus going ahead; it highlights a radical difference from earthly priests. Unlike a Levitical high priest who entered the Most Holy Place al…
