The First Picture of the Lord’s Supper

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“Melchizedek and the Bread and Wine” – Genesis 14:18-20

Dear Friends, in the middle of the dramatic account of Abram’s rescue of Lot and his victory over the invading kings, we come across one of the most mysterious and significant figures in the whole of Scripture — Melchizedek, king of Salem and priest of God Most High. These three short verses in Genesis 14 introduce us to someone who would later become a powerful picture of our Lord Jesus Christ.

“And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.) And he blessed him and said, ‘Blessed be Abram by God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth; and blessed be God Most High, who has delivered your enemies into your hand!’ And Abram gave him a tenth of everything.” (Genesis 14:18-20 ESV)

Here we see three beautiful actions: Melchizedek brings bread and wine, he blesses Abram, and Abram responds by giving a tenth of everything.

The bread and wine immediately catch our attention. Long before the Lord’s Supper was instituted, we see this combination of bread and wine used in a deeply spiritual context. Melchizedek, whose name means “king of righteousness” and who was king of Salem (meaning “peace”), comes to refresh and bless Abram after the battle. This is a lovely picture of how the Lord Jesus comes to us in our weariness to strengthen and bless us.

Melchizedek’s blessing is significant. He acknowledges that the victory belonged not to Abram’s military skill but to “God Most High, Possessor of heaven and earth.” He gives all the glory to God. Abram’s response is equally instructive — he gives a tithe (a tenth) of all the spoils to Melchizedek. This is the first mention of tithing in the Bible, and it flows not from law but from a heart of gratitude and recognition of God’s servant.

The writer of Hebrews later expands on Melchizedek as a beautiful type of Christ — a priest who appears suddenly, without recorded beginning or end, combining the roles of king and priest. Jesus is our eternal King-Priest who brings us spiritual food and blesses us continually.


Pause & Pray: Take a quiet moment now. Thank the Lord Jesus that He is your King of righteousness and King of peace. Thank Him for the way He refreshes you with “bread and wine” — His own body and blood given for you. Ask Him to help you live with a grateful heart that gladly gives back to Him — not out of duty but out of love and worship. Pray that you would always give glory to God Most High for every victory and blessing in your life.

Verse to Remember: “And Melchizedek king of Salem brought out bread and wine. (He was priest of God Most High.)” (Genesis 14:18 ESV)

Question to Consider: When you experience God’s blessing or victory in your life, how do you respond? Are you quick to give Him thanks and honour, perhaps through generous giving or service? How might the example of Abram’s tithe challenge or encourage your own attitude toward giving?

Article written by Shaun Fereday, Leader @SFGH Church

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