Meditate on the Word - For a Decent and Investigative Christianity (EN)

When we analyze Scripture, the name Melchizedek stands out as one of the Bible's most enigmatic figures. He appears briefly, yet with a depth that challenges the reader to grasp his theological significance. Was Melchizedek merely a historical person, or did he represent something greater in God’s divine plan? Historical Context Melchizedek is first mentioned in Genesis 14:18-20, shortly after Abraham wins a battle to rescue his nephew Lot. He is introduced as the "King of Salem" and "Priest of God Most High." In this encounter, Melchizedek brings bread and wine, blesses Abraham, and receives a tithe of everything from him. His brief mention in Genesis is rich in symbolism and raises important questions: How did he become a priest? And why is he unconnected to the Levitical lineage, which would only be established much later? Melchizedek as a Prophecy of the Messiah In Psalm 110:4, David prophesies about the Messiah: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Me...

  The Parable of the Prodigal Son , found in Luke 15:11-32, is one of the most profound and well-known stories told by Jesus. It is part of a series of three parables (The Lost Sheep, The Lost Coin, and The Prodigal Son) that Jesus told in response to the criticism of the Pharisees and scribes. They complained that Jesus associated with sinners and ate with them, which, in their view, was unworthy of a religious teacher. Through this parable, Jesus reveals the loving, merciful, and forgiving character of God and contrasts it with the judgmental and exclusive attitude of the religious leaders. Cultural Context In Jesus' time, Jewish society was highly patriarchal and based on a system of honor and shame. The family was the central nucleus of social life, and respect for parents, especially the father, was considered one of the most sacred commandments. Therefore, any act that dishonored the father was considered extremely serious. The Parable Jesus begins the parable by saying that ...