We Don’t Talk About Bruno (or Melchisedec!)

by Rev. Reagan Marsh

As a pastor for nearly 25 years, I often receive thoughtprovoking questions about the Bible. Here’s an interesting one—I hope it’ll be helpful for you!

Q: How are we supposed to think about Melchisedec? He’s pretty difficult to understand.

A: The recent film Encanto has a catchy tune: “We don’t talk about Bruno, no, no…” It seems that’s also how we treat certain people in Scripture—Melchisedec among them! Some think he’s Jesus making a brief OT appearance (theologians call these “Christophanies,” lit. “Christ-sightings”); others aren’t so sure. But Scripture gives answers! Genesis 14:18-20 shows he’s a priest and king (v. 18): 1. The plain description of him as a man, v. 18; “he,” v. 19;

“he…him,” v. 20 (Hebrews 7:4 names him “this man”). 2. The geographical location of his home: “Salem,” v. 18. Christophanies don’t typically mention a home or

“roots” (see, for example, Joshua 5:13ff). 3. The physical nature of Melchisedec bringing out food, v. 18. 4. The genuine concern for Abram’s well-being, v. 20:

“God…has delivered your enemies into your hand.” Melchisedec is a man like us. This isn’t a Christophany, but there are strong pointers to Jesus: 1. Eternality (v. 18). Melchisedec just appears on the scene unannounced. Hebrews 7:3 explains this, showing how his entering the scene with no introduction (simply

Moses using a literary device) points to the Eternal One. 2. Communion with God (v. 18). It’s no mistake that bread and wine are used: a man justified by faith alone (James 2:23) enters God’s presence through God’s priest. This priest embodies God’s righteousness (Hebrews 7:2) brought near to him (incarnation!) This certainly points us to the Lord’s Supper, and ultimately to the end of the age, when Christians “will be forever with the Lord” (1

Thessalonians 4:17). 3. Worship (v. 19). Abram receives God’s blessing from him—while Melchisedec leads in God’s worship (vv. 19b-20). 4. Special revelation (vv. 19b-20). God’s word reveals God’s character in his attributes (v. 19b) and mighty acts (v. 20).

So, Scripture presents Melchisedec as a “type” (that is, a foreshadowing, or pointing-forward-to) of Christ. Hebrews 7 speaks of Jesus as being better than Melchisedec, arising in his likeness, and having a superior priesthood. If Jesus is better than himself, in his own image, and improves on his prior ministry, then there’s contradiction and change in the unchangeable God…and that’s impossible (Malachi 3:6; Hebrews 13:8). Further, Hebrews 7 records that Melchisedec died (v. 23). Take that to its local end: if Melchisedec is the preincarnate Christ, then Jesus died twice, Hebrews 7:24-25 is utterly false, and “your faith is futile” (1 Corinthians 15:17).

It’s a fascinating question to work out biblically, but wellworth our consideration—because Jesus, the only Son of God, has indeed come for sinners like Melchisedec, and Abram… and you and me. He showed by his life, death, and resurrection that he is the Eternal One who alone can forgive sin, bring fellowship with God the Father, and make us true worshippers by his Word and Spirit. “Types” like Melchisedec point us forward to the day when “we shall see him as he is” (1 John 3:2), “face to face” (1 Corinthians 13:12), forever. That’s the best news I’ve ever heard!

We might not talk about Bruno…but we should talk about Melchisedec, because he helps us talk about Jesus. Feel free to send in your questions at reformationdalton.com, and I’ll do my best to answer them biblically! Grace to you.

About The Author

Reagan Marsh is husband to Kara, daddy to RG and AG, and founding Pastor-Teacher to Reformation Baptist Church. A biblical counselor and Th.D. student in Puritan Studies, he has served in gospel ministry since 1998. Learn more at reformationdalton.com.

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