“God spoke to our fathers through the prophets many times and in many ways long ago, but in these last days He has spoken to us through His Son” (Hebrews 1:1–2).
The Hebrews letter begins with these words. The author launches into what amounts to a sermon-like argument without addressing any specific person or local church (see Hebrews 13:22–25). Who penned the letter to the Hebrews is unknown to us. Although this is uncertain, scholars believe that it was Paul. It was intended for Christians who identified as Jewish and were familiar with Jewish culture.
The apostasy that these Christians were facing was the impetus for writing. It’s likely that their persecution made them unaware of what God had accomplished via His Son, Jesus Christ. As such, the urgency was great. Five incisive cautions alternate with five justifications for Christ’s superiority in the apostle’s letter. Throughout the letter, the length and severity of the warnings and explanations both rise.
1. Christ, as the Son of God, is higher than the angels (Hebrews 1:1-2:4)
Following an introduction (Hebrews 1:1–4), the apostle uses a lengthy list of passages from the Old Testament to demonstrate why Christ is exalted above the angels. Those who argue that angelic revelations are significant should not divert the attention of the Hebrew people. Because God has shown Himself in Christ, they should give Him all of their attention. “How will we get out if we ignore such a huge salvation?” (Read Hebrews 2:3).
2. Christ as a human is superior to Moses (Hebrews 2:5-4:13)
Being fully human, Christ briefly descended to the level of the angels before rising to their position once more. All of this was done in order to save mankind. Because He has experienced the consequences of temptation, He is qualified to assist those who are tempted (Hebrews 2:18). Not alone is Christ exalted above the angels, but in faithfulness he even surpasses the great Jewish prophet Moses. The apostle exhorts his audience to enter the promised rest by using the Israelites as an example. Instead of ignoring or neglecting the gospel’s promise due to unbelief, individuals ought to pay attention to the Spirit’s guidance and accept God’s eternal peace.
3. Christ, as high priest, is higher than Aaron (Hebrews 5:1-6:20)
Believers are confident to approach God’s throne because of Christ. According to Hebrews 4:16, “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need,” Jesus, the Son of God, is the great High Priest through whom they may approach God. The apostle establishes that Christ is superior to Aaron as high priest by scripture (Hebrews 5:1–10). After this explanation, there comes a lengthy and sincere exhortation to develop spiritual maturity. There is no other way to be saved if the readers begin to doubt Christ.
4. Christ as high priest after the order of Melchizedek (Hebrews 7:1-10:39)
The apostle demonstrates in this section that Christ is a high priest in accordance with Melchizedek’s order rather than a Levitical priest. Because Levi was already Abraham’s slave and so subject to Melchizedek, the priesthood of Levi is less valuable than that of Christ. The prophets had previously heralded the new covenant, which Christ dedicated. He is the new sanctuary’s and the new covenant’s high priest.
Real reconciliation could not be achieved by the rites of the Old Testament; rather, Christ’s complete sacrifice validated the covenant and His blood hallowed the new one. “However, He has come to earth once and for all at the end of time to atone for sin by offering Himself as a sacrifice.” (Read Hebrews 9:26). “For He has perfected for all eternity those who are being sanctified by a single offering.”(Read Hebrews 10:14). After describing Christ’s role as the new covenant’s high priest, the apostle exhorts his audience to have faith. Do not reject the blood of Jesus! A horrible punishment awaits us if we reject this way to God!
5. Faith and life (Hebrews 11:1-13:25)
Hebrews 11, which discusses examples of faith from the Old Testament, is one of the most well-known chapters in the Bible. Even though the promise of Christ had not yet been realized, the apostle demonstrates that all of these people still believed in it. These illustrations highlight the strength and depth of faith. The multitude of witnesses inspires Christians to hold fast:
“Therefore, looking to Jesus, the Founder and Perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so tightly, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” (Read Hebrews 12:1-2).
Ultimately, [continuing] in one’s faith ought to be a daily habit. The apostle exhorts his readers to act morally and with love. He ends this exegetical letter with a salutation and blessing.
The message for us
- God has revealed Himself completely and irreplaceably in Jesus Christ
- Jesus is higher than the angels.
- Jesus is both God and man.
- The previous covenant is inadequate. The previous covenant was inferior to the new one.
- To be saved and to satisfy God, one must have faith.
- Faith results in perseverance. Faith expresses itself in good works.
