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.
“1 For every high priest taken from among men is appointed for men in things pertaining to God, that he may offer both gifts and sacrifices for sins.” (Hebrews 5:1)
Now, the author brings up levitical priesthood under the Old Covenant, which was an appointment given from God to a chosen man who would serve as emissary between man and God. Continuing with the sacrificial theme, the author reminds his audience of the sacrifices and gifts that were presented to God by the high priest which included grain, a gift offering for generosity and giving, as well as the blood of bulls, goats, lambs, turtledoves or pigeons, an offering for the expiation of the sins of the high priest, the Hebrew leaders as well as the common Israelites.
“2 He can have compassion on those who are ignorant and going astray, since he himself is also subject to weakness.” (Hebrews 5:2)
Because he is very much a man, who is not without sin, the levitical high priest was to show compassion upon those who sinned out of ignorance, as well as those who had deviated from the narrow path that leads to God.
“3 Because of this he is required as for the people, so also for himself, to offer sacrifices for sins.” (Hebrews 5:3)
High priests were subject to sacrifices to atone for their sin, just as Hebrew leaders and common Israelites. Their sacrifice was to be in the way of a bull’s blood, a sacrificial sentence for their sins.
“4 And no man takes this honor to himself, but he who is called by God, just as Aaron was.” (Hebrews 5:4)
Lastly, the author reminds his readers that 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. 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
