INTRODUCTION TO HEBREWS

The Letter to the Hebrews is about Jesus Christ. But it is not about his earthly ministry. It is about his ministry in heaven on our behalf as our great High Priest. Because of Jesus' priestly ministry, we may draw near to God. Chapter 4:16 says, 'Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence...' 10:22 says, 'Let us draw near to God...in full assurance of faith.' As we study Hebrews may we draw near to God through Jesus Christ. May our hope become surer, and our faith more joyful and confident. And may we learn to pray.

Hebrews may have been written by Paul. Some scholars, however, think it was written by Barnabas or even by Apollos. It was surely inspired by the Holy Spirit. The author wrote to Christians with a Jewish background. In the early days of their faith they had suffered joyfully for Jesus. But they had become spiritually lazy and had lost the joy of their early faith. So there are seven warnings and 13 admonitions beginning, 'Let us...'

Hebrews is divided into two main parts: 1:1-10:18 is doctrinal. It is about our High Priest, Christ, and his heavenly ministry. 10:19-13:25 is practical. Faith, hope and love must be a practical part of Christian life.

1. God spoke to our forefathers (1)

People reveal their thoughts and feelings through the words they speak. The Almighty God wants to communicate with those whom he created in his own image. He spoke when he created the world. He spoke to Abraham; he talked with Jacob; he spoke through dreams to Joseph. He spoke through the prophets. He wants us to know and worship him; so he speaks to us through the Bible, his written word. Here he tells us what to believe and how to live.

2. God has spoken to us by his Son (2-4)

The Old Testament was mediated to the men of old by angels (Gal 3:19). But Jesus Christ is God's final word to us. He is far above the angels. He is the radiance of God's glory; he is God who created all things and who sustains all things by his powerful word. He came in the flesh and died to set us free from the power and guilt of sin. Then he took his seat at the right hand of God, the Majesty in heaven. He is the One worthy of our worship. We must listen to him and obey him.

Application: Lord, thank you for speaking to me. Teach me to listen to your word.
One Word: God has spoken by his Son