Hebrews 5:12-14 Spiritual Immaturity

Written around A.D. 63 by an unknown author, a letter titled “To The Hebrews” was meant to strengthen Messianic Jews who found themselves under attack by the enemy in the form of persecution against Christians, or anyone else who pledged their support of Jesus. In its introduction, the author declared Jesus the exact representation of God in the flesh, a man who fulfilled all prophecies including living a perfect, sinless life that was taken on the cross, where the Savior died for our sins, then Christ’s presence among men concluded with His ascension to Heaven where a seat was reserved for Him, at the right hand of the Father, a position of power, authority and power over all other angels, appointed messengers of the Creator.

Next, the author established the difference between the angels and the Son of God, a title reserved to Jesus who was born of God, and unlike the angel who were created beings, Christ was begotten as the firstborn, and just as the heavenly Father, would be worshiped as such. After this, the letter’s focus shifted from the deity of Jesus to the importance of His message, calling on readers to pay close attention to the gospel taught by the Son of God or risk drifting away from the benefits associated with the truth spoken by the Messiah. Then, the author cited a Psalm of David, prompting his readers to identify this “man” as the physical body of Jesus, the part of Him that was created by God and exposed to temptation, to sin. In death, the human part of the Savior placed Him below angels, who have continuous access to Heaven, while Jesus was cast into a prison, then beaten and eventually, nailed to a cross where He died. After His death on the cross, the Messiah was resurrected from the dead, fulfilling prophecy and after 40 days, He ascended to Heaven where He continues to rejoice along side God, and with the angels whom He now is once again considered “above.” Then, the author pointed out how both Moses and Jesus were faithful to their respective ministry, and as such, those who rely on Christ for their salvation should remain faithful to Him with whom believers place their hope and trust. It is to those who stand fast and patiently continue to obediently serve the Lord who will inherit a place in the kingdom of God.

Following this, the Holy Spirit revealed to the author how God was angry with those He doomed for forty years in the wilderness, as their hearts were hardened toward God in spite of the countless miracles He performed, including delivering them from bondage in Egypt through Moses, one of His prophets. The author then reminded his readers of words shared by God through scripture, that He did indeed offer rest to those who believe and obey, those whose faith is accompanied by works done for the glory of the divine Father. Alternatively, God promised no rest to those who deny His divinity. Then, the author wrote about the prominence and omnipresence of God, the Almighty, the One who created all living creatures and He who knows our hearts, our thoughts. No one can hide from Yahweh, the One true God who is the final judge over His creation.

Next, the author of the letter to the Hebrews described how, just as the high priest of the Old Covenant, Jesus, the divine Priest ascended to His throne located in the most holy place by passing through 3 areas starting with the atmospheric heaven, the stellar heaven and finally, taking His place among the abode of God. It is in Him believers should place their hope, and through faith in the risen Savior believers must rely for salvation. Also, high priesthood was an appointment resulting from a calling from God, and that just as Aaron, the prophet and older brother of Moses, the ministry of the high priest is ordained by the divine Father, and should not be taken lightly or endeavored by anyone driven by profession or profit, a clear indication of a sinful heart not suited for spiritual leadership within the family of God. So it was that, Jesus, the divine High Priest was made perfect by living a perfect life, and dying a perfect death according to God’s perfect plan. In spite of this eternal perfection, the author of the letter to the Hebrews calls his audience “dull of hearing” as they seemingly chose to rebel against the truth, and opt to deviate from the narrow path the leads to eternal life.

“12 For though by this time you ought to be teachers, you need someone to teach you again the first principles of the oracles of God; and you have come to need milk and not solid food.” (Hebrews 5:12)

The author now reminds his readers of the great commission, the responsibility bestowed upon every believer to advance the gospel and share the truth about the life, death and resurrection of the risen Savior, Jesus, the Christ and most High Priest. Because the Hebrews drifted away from their mission to teach others about Jesus, they needed to be taught once more, like babies, the foremost mission of all Christians, which is evangelical at its root.

“13 For everyone who partakes only of milk is unskilled in the word of righteousness, for he is a babe.” (Hebrews 5:13)

The milk here is spiritual rather than physical, meaning the Hebrews needed to be retrained before they could fulfill their mission to advance the gospel of the risen Christ as they had become numb to the teachings of those divinely appointed by God to lead each one along the narrow path to Heaven.

“14 But solid food belongs to those who are of full age, that is, those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil.” (Hebrews 5:14)

Lastly, the author calls on his audience to seek maturity in the word, in fellowship and worship as each one strives to fulfill the great commission, bringing glory to God and advancing the gospel to the four corners of the earth. Let’s pray!

Father God;
We thank you for your blessings in our lives,
We praise you Lord for the wisdom found through the Letter to the Hebrews,
We ask you Lord to inspire us to use these verses in our lives
As we continue to learn more about you through your word.

Lord we ask you to strengthen us each day as we endure through battles,
Allow us to praise and love each other through faith in you Jesus,
Shield us from evil through truth, the gospel, salvation and prayer,
Guide us to abide by your word as we spread your gospel to one and all
Becoming examples of faith through our character as we walk the narrow path.

God we pray that you will continue to bless us, to bless our lives and fill us with hope
We ask you Lord to guide our footsteps and lead us to the way everlasting,
Through faith in you Lord we seek salvation and a place with you in heaven
According to your ways, your everlasting wisdom and strength.

May your will be done
In our lives, for your life.

We thank you for your love and all you bless us with each day.

Praise God,
Amen!

This message was written by Daniel St.Pierre
Email: danielstpierre@thrivethroughchrist.com

Posted in Bible Studies.

Daniel St.Pierre

Daniel St.Pierre is a born again child of God. A Canadian immigrant to the United States, Daniel considers himself "blessed to be a blessing" as the ministry he leads continues to reach thousands of souls each month, on a global scale since 2003.