Hebrews 6- Jesus, faithful One

The Hebrews to whom this book was written were in a defining time, they were faced with the decision of holding fast to their faith in Jesus and His new covenant priesthood or returning to second temple Judaism. Having already established in previous chapters the truth that Jesus is the Son of God, the promised Messiah, the propitiation for the sins of both Jew and Gentile alike, as well as identified the statutes of the new covenant of which Jesus is the High priest, the writer boldly states that one can lose the reward of eternal rest if they fall away. “For [it is] impossible for those who were once enlightened, and have tasted the heavenly gift, and have become partakers of the Holy Spirit, and have tasted the good word of God and the powers of the age to come, if they fall away, to renew them again to repentance, since they crucify again for themselves the Son of God, and put [Him] to an open shame.” (v. 4-6) This passage is stating simply that if the believers return to Judaism and the law they will not inherit salvation. The veil had been torn between humanity and God when Christ paid for sin at the cross, replacing the old covenant with the new covenant, thus, forsaking Jesus would lead to eternal damnation.

This chapter not only shows the harsh circumstances for falling away but it also exemplifies the mercy of God and His desire for His people to return to Him in repentance. Jesus faced more persecution than they could possibly imagine, yet He remained faithful to the Father. Therefore, the Lord requires the same response from His people. He doesn’t distance Himself from their weakness though, Jesus, through the cross is well acquainted with their suffering and ultimately compassionate with them. “God [is] not unjust to forget your work and labor of love which you have shown toward His name, [in that] you have ministered to the saints, and do minister.” (v.10) Therefore, it is possible for one to harden ones heart to the point of no return, but even in that place, the Lord longs to restore that heart into Himself because His mercy triumphs over judgement.

Hebrews 3- Jesus, the obedient Son

Chapter 3 of Hebrews focuses on the obedience of Jesus. The writer uses Moses as a comparison because the Messianic Jewish believers to whom the book was written respected the leadership and righteousness of Moses as one of their most loved desert fathers. This chapter looks at Moses’ obedience to the Lord and it pales in comparison to the righteousness of Jesus. Yes, Moses was faithful and obedient to the Lord, but Jesus, as the Lord manifest in the flesh, deserves all the glory and all the honor because it was He who created Moses in the first place.(Hebrews 1:10) Moses was nothing apart from Him!

Much like Jesus, the writer is calling the readers to respond in obedience to the Father. Obey as Jesus obeyed. Don’t be like the foolish Israelites in Moses’ day who were rebellious and unbelieving. Those who were disobedient didn’t receive the promise that they were seeking, they failed to enter into the Lord’s rest. Hold fast to your confidence in the Father, do not harden your heart as they did in the wilderness, keep your heart tender and yielding to the Lord’s will and He will lead you into His promise.

Hebrews 2- Jesus, the compassionate

The writer of Hebrews in chapter 2 is calling the readers to earnest hearing. If the prophesies were really true about the Messiah coming and if Jesus is truly the fulfillment of the promises that were spoken through angels for hundreds of years, then the consequence of disbelief would be really great. If the people of Israel had been chastised for their unbelief and disobedience, the sin of denying the promised Messiah would be grievous beyond compare. (2:1-4)

The whole earth was put in subjection under Jesus, even the angels are servants under His leadership. Jesus came, as the rightful leader of the nations and was persecuted and hated by men.(2:9-11) He could have executed His authority in that time, rather He chose to become a servant, He served those He loved in order to bring them into salvation. Jesus had to become like us and experience our weakness in order lead us to the Father as our compassionate mediator. His mercy blows my mind in this respect! The chapter closes with a profound statement in verse 18, “For in that He Himself has suffered, being tempted, He is able to aid those who are tempted.”

Are you allowing Him to aid you in your struggles? Remember who He is! Remember what He did! Declare what He can do in your circumstances!