INTRODUCTION TO HEBREWSThe Author is unknown. Textual clues lead us to date the book before 70 A.D., since the temple's destruction is not mentioned. The recipients, Jewish Christians being persecuted in a Roman world, were suffering conflict, public disgrace, imprisonment and confiscation of property (10:32-34). At first they endured joyfully. But as their hearts grew dull to the message (5:11-12), they became forgetful (12:5) and were tempted to shrink back to their former identity. Throughout the letter the author explains the superiority of Jesus. Jesus is the Son of God (1:1-3). Therefore, Jesus is superior to angels (1:4-2:18), Moses (3:1-4:13), Levitical priests (4:14-7:28), and temple sacrifices (8:1-10:18). Jesus is also the Great High Priest and the mediator of a new covenant with better promises, and the perfect sacrifice. For this reason, the author urges his readers not to shrink back, but hold firmly to their faith in Jesus. Hebrews is divided into two main parts: 1:1-10:18 is doctrinal - concerning Jesus' identity as our High Priest and his heavenly ministry. 10:19-13:25 is practical, focusing on faith (11), hope (12) and love (13). Faith, hope and love must be a practical part of Christian life. In a relativistic and hostile world, we need to heed the five warnings, and several exhortations (beginning with 'let us...') in this book, holding firmly to faith in Jesus, our high priest (4:14).
GOD HAS SPOKEN TO US BY HIS SON
1. Jesus' identity and works (1-3)
For thousands of years God spoke through prophets, but in these last days he has spoken through his Son Jesus. God wants us to know him through Jesus. He is the heir of all things and agent of Creation. To know him is to know God: his glorious and radiant being, character and power. He is our living and active Lord, to whom we must continually pay attention. His powerful word sustains all things. In him alone is purification of sins, and he always live to intercede for us.
2. "Jesus is superior to angels" (4-14)
In the OT angels appeared and worked mightily. Some may confuse Jesus for an angel. But the Son is superior in every way. The Son is in intimate relationship with the Father (5-6). The Son is worthy of worship (7). Angels serve, but the Son has an everlasting throne (8-9). The Son is eternal, enduring beyond all creation (10-12). The Son is exalted to God's right hand (13), while angels exist to minister to saved people (14).
Application: Thank you for your perfect revelation of your Son, Jesus. May I worship him today.
One Word: The Son is Superior