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Today we begin a new series on the New Testament book of Hebrews. This series will be 13 weeks long, which will take us to the Sunday before Advent. There are 13 chapters in the book of Hebrews, so you can expect that we will roughly cover one chapter per week. However, due to the way Hebrews is written, we will likely jump around a bit on some Sundays. 

This series will show how Jesus is the fulfilment of all the promises that we saw in our previous series on the Pentateuch. God made promises to Abraham and his descendants to make them into a great nation called Israel and bless them. He made a promise to the nation of Israel to rescue them and bring them into their own land and rule over them as their God. In this land, they would experience complete rest and peace.

The people did not see the fulfilment of those promises because they disobeyed God by refusing to go into the land promised to them. They were afraid and they lacked faith that God would protect them and fight for them. The next generation entered and conquered the land, but they failed to obey God’s commands to love and worship him alone. They failed to completely eliminate the false gods from the land and fell into idol worship. Eventually, the nation of Israel was divided up, conquered, and the people exiled from their land. 

The promises that God made to Abraham and his descendants still stand. They are promises that revolve around reconciliation between creation and creator, and the restoration of complete peace and wholeness on earth. This reconciliation and restoration, we will discover, is now fulfilled in Jesus of Nazareth, who is the promised Messiah, the Son of God. 

This points to a second purpose for this series. The first is to show how Jesus fulfills all of God’s promises. The second is to show that following Jesus should dramatically change the way we live. Our faith is not merely an add-on to our lives. And, it is not merely a get-out-of-hell free card. Faith in Jesus is meant to radically transform us into people who belong to God’s eternal kingdom. 

That said, I need to warn you that Hebrews is not an easy book to study and understand. One commentator says this about the book of Hebrews: “Its form is unusual, its setting in life is uncertain, and its argument is unfamiliar. It invites engagement in the task of defining the undefined. Undefined are the identity of the writer, his conceptual background, the character and location of the community addressed, the circumstances and date of composition, the setting in life, the nature of the crisis to which the document is a response, the literary genre, and the purpose and plan of the work. Although these undefined issues continue to be addressed and debated vigorously, no real consensus has been reached… every statement about Hebrews is a personal synthesis, an interpretive statement. Interpretation calls for humility. Any critical reconstruction must be proposed as tentative and exploratory in nature.^⁠1”

In other words, we must approach this book with curiosity, humility, and patience. Reading any part of the Bible requires us to not simply find something that we can use, something helpful for solving a problem in our lives. It requires us to take the words into our very souls. The danger with a rushed application of the Bible is that we reduce it to data and tools to get done what we have in mind as most important in life. If you think evangelism is most important, or giving to the poor, or healing, or whatever you feel particularly passionate about, the Bible will be used as a resource to support that belief unless you approach the Bible on its own terms.

This last week, at our All CORE Teams meeting, we began with an extended time of prayer, seeking what God would have us do as a church. At ministry planning meetings, the temptation is to make plans and then ask God to get on board with our plans. We can do the same with Scripture. The temptation is to come into Hebrews looking for answers to our questions, or something that will help us with our own agenda. As we go through this series, let’s be curious about God’s agenda and how these words can get into us and transform us. With that said, let’s begin with a few words about the possible circumstance surrounding the writing of Hebrews, and then we will dive into chapter 1.

While we do not know the name of the author or the specific group of people Hebrews originally addressed, we can see through a careful reading that the intended recipients were likely in crisis. They were definitely very familiar with the Jewish Scriptures and the history of Israel. The book is filled with references to Israel’s history without providing much or any explanation. 

What was the crisis they were facing? Hebrews 10:24-25 could be interpreted to say that people were leaving the church. It says, “And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.”

 Among those who stayed, according to 2:1-4, there seemed to be a lack of confidence and interest in the gospel, which formerly gave them their identity as a new covenant people of God. Perhaps they were no longer trusting in God’s promises in the midst of their difficulties, as implied in 3:7-4:13, where the author compares them to Israel’s turning from God in the wilderness. They seemed to have stepped back from their earlier boldness as followers of Jesus, as we read in 10:32-35. And they are described in 5:11, 6:12, 12:3, and 12:12-13 as lazy and weak in their faith. 

These sound like harsh criticisms, but it will be wise for us to humbly consider how much of this describes us. If the intention of the author of Hebrews is to re-awaken a timid and dry faith, I know that I need to hear what it has to say. By God’s grace and in the power of his Spirit, perhaps we will grow in our dedication and confidence in faith in God’s promises through Christ. Let’s read chapter 1 together as we begin our journey through Hebrews.

Hebrews 1 (NIV)

In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe. The Son is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact representation of his being, sustaining all things by his powerful word. After he had provided purification for sins, he sat down at the right hand of the Majesty in heaven. So he became as much superior to the angels as the name he has inherited is superior to theirs. For to which of the angels did God ever say, “You are my Son; today I have become your Father”? Or again, “I will be his Father, and he will be my Son”? And again, when God brings his firstborn into the world, he says, “Let all God’s angels worship him.” In speaking of the angels he says, “He makes his angels spirits, and his servants flames of fire.” But about the Son he says, “Your throne, O God, will last for ever and ever; a scepter of justice will be the scepter of your kingdom. You have loved righteousness and hated wickedness; therefore God, your God, has set you above your companions by anointing you with the oil of joy.” He also says, “In the beginning, Lord, you laid the foundations of the earth, and the heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you remain; they will all wear out like a garment. You will roll them up like a robe; like a garment they will be changed. But you remain the same, and your years will never end.” To which of the angels did God ever say, “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet”? Are not all angels ministering spirits sent to serve those who will inherit salvation?

This chapter really makes two main points. They are introductory points which help set up some other important elements in the book. First, Jesus is the final word of God. Second, Jesus is equal to God. The author has made some significant claims about Jesus in this short passage:

• God spoke to us through Jesus in the same way as he spoke to the ancient Israelites through the prophets. 
• God appointed Jesus as the heir of all things. 
• Through Jesus the entire universe was made. 
• Jesus is a mirror image of God. 
• Jesus sustains all things. 
• Jesus has provided the sacrifice required for purification of sins for all people for all time. 
• Jesus sits at the right hand of God in heaven. 
• Jesus is superior to all created beings, including angels. 
• Jesus has the same name as God. 
• Jesus is God’s son. 
• Jesus is worshipped by angels. 
• Jesus is equal to God and sits on an eternal throne from which he rules with justice. 

If you have not caught on, Hebrews chapter one is making the statement that Jesus is God and is to be listened to as one with greater authority than God’s former messengers. So, what does this mean? And how does it affect our lives? 

Jesus is the Final Word of God

I actually want to draw our attention to Psalm 110 before we go further. We will come back to this Psalm several times throughout Hebrews. I’ll read it and if you are somewhat familiar with the book of Hebrews, you will see some connections. 

The LORD says to my lord: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet.” The LORD will extend your mighty scepter from Zion, saying, “Rule in the midst of your enemies!” Your troops will be willing on your day of battle. Arrayed in holy splendor, your young men will come to you like dew from the morning’s womb. The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever, in the order of Melchizedek.” The Lord is at your right hand; he will crush kings on the day of his wrath. He will judge the nations, heaping up the dead and crushing the rulers of the whole earth. He will drink from a brook along the way, and so he will lift his head high.

In the Gospels, we read an encounter between Jesus and the Pharisees, which reference Psalm 110. Matthew 22:41-45: While the Pharisees were gathered together, Jesus asked them, “What do you think about the Messiah? Whose son is he?” “The son of David,” they replied. He said to them, “How is it then that David, speaking by the Spirit, calls him ‘Lord’? For he says, “ ‘The Lord said to my Lord: “Sit at my right hand until I put your enemies under your feet.” ’ If then David calls him ‘Lord,’ how can he be his son?” 

The understanding among the Jewish leaders was that the Messiah would be a descendant of King David. In Psalm 110, which was written by David and commonly understood as written about the Messiah, he begins by saying that Yahweh is speaking to David’s lord, or ruler. Who on earth was above David? No one. The implication, as pointed out by Jesus, is that the Messiah is not merely David’s descendant, but the very Son of God. This interchange between Jesus and the Pharisees spelled it out. Jesus is the promised Messiah written about in Psalm 110. Not merely a human descendant of David, but the eternal Son of God. Hebrews operates within this understanding of Jesus. So, we will come back to Psalm 110 as we go throughout the series and connect it with the identity of Jesus. 

Earlier I mentioned that the recipients of Hebrews were likely struggling with their confidence in what they first believed. They needed a reminder of who this Jesus is that they claim to follow. Too low a view of Jesus is a primary cause of a weakening faith. When our view of Jesus is not robust enough, where does our faith go? It goes to that which we can get our heads and hearts around. In the midst of the trials and concerns of life, we forget or we don’t know how to relate to Jesus. But, the author of Hebrews, and ultimately the desire of God, is for us to be strengthened in our faith in Jesus.

The thrust of the message in verses one through four is to say that Jesus is God’s final and supreme word. In Jesus, we can know God and find fulfillment of all his promises. He is superior to all other modes of revelation of who God is and what he is doing. If anyone is worthy of trusting completely, it is Jesus of Nazareth.

Jesus is not one of several options for who to follow as a way to get to heaven. Jesus is not on the same level as other religious leaders or prophets. He is above them in status because he created them. His identification is not merely teacher, but King of kings. He is not just a guide for life with some good ideas, he is the way to eternal life and the source of all truth. He is not just a consultant to help you figure things out, he is the answer. 

Perhaps I am preaching to the choir. You are sitting there thinking, yes this is true and I agree. But what does it mean? I have a confession. I struggle sometimes when I sit with those of you who are going through a particularly difficult season. I struggle to know how to connect your situation with our faith in Jesus. I have doubts that telling you to trust God is going to be enough. But I think these struggles and doubts of mine are related to having too low a view of Jesus. When we don’t know how faith in Jesus helps us in our every day circumstances, it is an opportunity to ask the question, “What is God’s final word on the matter?” 

When you learn how to answer that question for yourself in a deep and robust way, you will be able to face any circumstance knowing that God not only has the power to get you through your difficulty, but he has faced the very same difficulty as well. He knows your struggle, he knows how to get you through it, and he has empowered you with everything you need to get through it. God’s final word is Jesus. This is good news.

All throughout this series, we will learn why Jesus is good news. We will cover topics like Jesus being our Sabbath rest, our high priest, our hope, our mediator. We will learn how to draw near to God through Jesus, how to persevere in our faith and how to love God and one another well. 

I want to make a bold claim. If we as a church really lean into the message of Hebrews and submit ourselves to what is true about Jesus, we as a church will be living proof of the greatness of God. People who don’t know Jesus will look at us and be rattled by the way we live. Regardless of whether people admit it or how they articulate it, everyone is looking for an answer to the big questions of life. We can show them the answer. Not by giving them cheap and easy statements about God or Jesus. But by living with a robust faith that Jesus is and has the final word on everything.

Jesus is Equal to God

The Gospel of John begins in a similar way as Hebrews, with a beautiful and powerful statement about Jesus. 

(1-5) In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. He was with God in the beginning. Through him all things were made; without him nothing was made that has been made. In him was life, and that life was the light of all mankind. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it… (14) The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Jesus is God’s final word, but he is also God himself. He was there at the beginning and through him all things have been created. 

In Hebrews chapter one, the author says similar things about Jesus and that he is superior to two groups of people: prophets and angels. Both are messengers of God. 

Both desire to bring glory to God. In the ancient stories, we read about the impact that prophets and angels had on people, and what would happen if people disobeyed them. 

Both John and Hebrews are saying, if there were consequences for not listening to the prophets and angels of God, consider this: Jesus is greater than them. In fact, disregarding Jesus is the same as disregarding God himself. 

Hebrews 1:3 says Jesus is the radiance of God’s glory and the exact imprint of him. You want to know God and what God is saying? Look at Jesus. Listen to him. He is the commander of the angels. He is the message of the prophets. When God said to Abraham, I will make from you a great nation through which the entire world will be blessed, Jesus is the blessing. When God promised that Israel would experience rest in the land of promise, Jesus is that rest. He was there when those promises were made. As Hebrews goes on to say, Jesus was the rock from which the water came to satisfy the thirst of the Israelites in the wilderness. He has always been there. And he is here, offering us living water, an eternal source of life and satisfaction.

Our response to this message today will be by participating in communion. If you believe what it says in Hebrews that Jesus is God’s final word, that he has provided purification for your sins, that he rules the universe with perfect justice, then come and take the bread and cup as a testimony of your faith and recommitment to trust and follow Jesus. 

Please come up to the front to receive the elements. Take them back to your seat with you and we will participate together. 

¹ William L. Lane, Hebrews 1–8, xlvii.

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Hebrews Series Bibliography

Allen, David L. Hebrews. The New American Commentary. Nashville, TN: B & H Publishing Group, 2010.

Bruce, F. F. The Epistle to the Hebrews. Rev. ed. The New International Commentary on the New Testament. Grand Rapids, MI: Wm. B. Eerdmans Publishing Co., 1990.

Guthrie, George. Hebrews. The NIV Application Commentary. Grand Rapids, MI: Zondervan Publishing House, 1998.

Lane, William L. Hebrews 1-8, vol. 47A, Word Biblical Commentary. Dallas: Word, Inc., 1991.

New International Version Cultural Backgrounds Study Bible. Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 2016.

Wright, Tom. Hebrews for Everyone. London: Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge, 2004.