HEBREWS [29 NOVEMBER - 5 DECEMBER DAY 334 - 340]
INTRODUCTION
The author is anonymous. Writer Paul? (1) in the use of the metaphors. Living sacrifice, slave, military and athlete (2) Addressing Timothy in his greeting You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. - Hebrews 13:23 and (3) the knowledge of Judaism.
The book of Hebrews is deeply rooted in the Old Testament. It has 29 quotations and 53 allusions to the Old Testament. Both the writer and the audience is known to be familiar with the Old Testament It is written about AD 60 probably the earliest book of the New Testament.
The believers, Messianic Jews and Gentiles were facing persecution in the time of Nero, Besides, those who were Jews converts were pressured to conform to the Jewish laws for salvation besides having Christ. It is written to exhort discourage Christians to remain steadfast in Christ, the complete superiority of who He is and what He has done.
It has four main sections after an introduction that God has spoken in time past but now in and through Christ. He is the radiance of Gods glory and the exact imprint of Gods nature. After each section, there is an emphasis of Christs greatness in comparison as well as a warning.
Chapters 1-2, Jesus is compared with the angels and Torah. He is the message of the good news in contrast to the angel who deliver the Torah (Deut.33:2) How much more to pay attention to the message. How significance is Gods glory revealed in Christ who came to be human.
Chapters 3-4, Jesus is compared with Moses and the Promised Land. Moses led to the building of the Tabernacle but Christ Creator of the universe. The warning follow in comparison as Israel rebelled in the wilderness and were not permitted to enter the Promised Land how much more we rebel and prohibited to enter the eternal rest.
Chapter 5-7, Jesus is compared with the priests and Melchizedek. The priests sacrifices were not perfect. They were from the line Aaron, themselves morally flawed. They have to offer it for themselves and then for the people. In contrast, Jesus is perfect and flawless. He was from the order of Melchizedek, king and priest. God will forgive only on the basis of Jesus. The warning follows thus to reject Jesus is to reject the only chance of been reconciled to God.
Chapter 8-10, Jesus is compared with the sacrifices in the covenant. The Leviticus sacrifices were done yearly. However, Jesus offered Himself as the Sacrifice. It was done once and for all. Sufficient for the sins of the whole world and through to eternality. The warning not to reject this new covenant by the blood.
Having established Jesus is the eternal word, the eternal Creator, the Great High Priest and perfect sacrifice they must remain steadfast with their faith in Jesus. Thus, the challenge to follow the example of many who trusted God (Hebrews 11). Although they had great troubles, they set their focus on God. So, we too remain steadfast in looking to Jesus as the author and Finisher of our faith (Hebrews 12).