Hebrews 1–6
Common Theme
Hebrews 1–6 presents Jesus Christ as God’s final and supreme revelation, superior to angels, Moses, and the Levitical priesthood. Because He is the perfect Son and High Priest, believers are urged to persevere in mature faith rather than drift back into unbelief.
Questions
- What warnings in these chapters stand out most strongly, and why do you think they are repeated so often?
- How does the portrayal of Jesus as High Priest reshape the way you understand access to God?
God Shot
God reveals Himself as the speaking God who has fully and finally made Himself known through His Son. He is faithful and unchanging, powerfully sustaining His people through a perfect High Priest who always intercedes for them.
Deeper
Hebrews 1
The text discusses the supremacy of God’s Son, emphasizing that God has spoken through Him in the last days. The Son is described as the heir of all things, the creator of the world, and the exact representation of God’s nature. He is superior to angels, as evidenced by God’s declarations about Him. The text highlights the eternal nature of the Son, His role in creation, and His authority, contrasting Him with angels who serve as ministering spirits.
Hebrews 2
The text emphasizes the importance of paying close attention to the message of salvation to avoid drifting away. It highlights that the message, initially declared by the Lord and confirmed by witnesses, is significant, as neglecting it could lead to dire consequences. The passage discusses Jesus, who, though made lower than angels, is crowned with glory due to his suffering and death, which he endured for humanity’s salvation. It notes that Jesus shares in human experiences, becoming a merciful high priest who aids those facing temptation. Ultimately, the text underscores the connection between Jesus and believers, affirming his role in their salvation.
Hebrews 3
The text discusses the superiority of Jesus over Moses, highlighting that Jesus is faithful as a son in God’s house, while Moses served as a servant. It emphasizes the importance of holding onto faith and confidence in Christ. The passage warns against hardening hearts and falling into unbelief, referencing the Israelites’ rebellion during their wilderness journey. It stresses the need for daily encouragement among believers to avoid the deceitfulness of sin and to remain steadfast in faith, as those who rebelled were denied entry into God’s rest due to their disobedience.
Hebrews 4
The text emphasizes the importance of faith in entering God’s rest, warning against disobedience that led others to miss this promise. It references God’s rest on the seventh day and highlights that a Sabbath rest remains for believers. The passage encourages striving to enter this rest and acknowledges the power of God’s word, which discerns the heart’s intentions. It introduces Jesus as the Great High Priest, who empathizes with human weaknesses and invites believers to approach the throne of grace confidently to receive mercy and help in times of need.
Hebrews 5
The text discusses the role of a high priest, emphasizing that they are appointed by God to act on behalf of people, offering sacrifices for sins. It highlights Christ’s appointment as a high priest, referencing his prayers and obedience through suffering, which led to eternal salvation for those who obey him. The passage warns against spiritual immaturity, noting that believers should progress from basic teachings to deeper understanding, as maturity involves discernment between good and evil.
Hebrews 6
The text encourages believers to move beyond basic teachings of Christ towards spiritual maturity, emphasizing the importance of faith and good works. It warns that those who have experienced enlightenment and then fall away cannot easily return to repentance, as this would be akin to re-crucifying Christ. The passage contrasts fruitful land, which receives God’s blessing, with barren land destined for destruction. It reassures the faithful of God’s justice and their good works, urging them to maintain hope and diligence. The certainty of God’s promise to Abraham is highlighted, emphasizing His unchangeable purpose and the hope believers have through Jesus, their eternal high priest.