Disciples Digital Library

A key theme in the letter to the Hebrews is the elevation of the “ Son ” as the result of his obedient death. In his sufferings, he was “ perfected ,” and in his resurrection, God vindicated him and elevated him to “ sit down ” at the “ right hand of the Majesty on high .” And there, he now intercedes on behalf of his “ brethren .”

The priesthood of Jesus is a key subject of the book of Hebrews . He has become the “ merciful and faithful high priest ” who intercedes for “ his brethren .” This topic is anticipated in the letter’s opening paragraph by declaring that he has “ achieved the purification of sins ,” and therefore, he “ sat down on the right hand of the Majesty on high ,” where he now intercedes for his people.

The priesthood of Jesus is a key subject of Hebrews . He became the “ merciful and faithful high priest ” who now intercedes for “ his brethren .” This is anticipated in the opening paragraph, including the uniqueness of his priesthood, by declaring that he “ achieved the purification of sins ,” and then afterward, he “ sat down ” in God’s presence.

Jesus intercedes without ceasing for his people in the true heavenly Tabernacle, one not made with human hands . In the gospel of John , Jesus is the true Tabernacle where God dwells. Unlike the ancient structure with its inner sanctuary that only the high priest could enter, now, in Christ, His glory is visible for all men to see. No longer is His presence limited by physical walls and geographic boundaries.

The new priesthood after the order of Melchizedek inaugurated in Jesus means a CHANGE OF LAW . The letter to the Hebrews is structured around comparisons that demonstrate the superiority of the “ word spoken in the Son ” over past revelations “ spoken in the prophets ,” including Moses. Jesus surpasses even the Great Lawgiver.

Disciples must hold fast to their confession and approach Jesus in boldness, especially in times of great need . After urging believers to enter God’s “ rest ,” the section concludes with a description of the powerful word of God, then returns to the subject of Christ’s priesthood. Believers must strive to enter His “ rest ” while the opportunity remains - “ TODAY, hearken to His voice .”

A key point of the opening paragraph of the letter to  Hebrews  is the accomplishment of the Son on behalf of his people, and his exalted position where he sits at the “ right hand ” of God ministering as their High Priest “ forevermore .” He alone secured what none of his predecessors were able to achieve.

God has spoken His superior “ word ” in His son, Jesus - “ upon the end of these days .” This last clause refers to the end of the period epitomized by the Levitical code with its priesthood and animal sacrifices centered in the Tabernacle, and later, in Jerusalem. With the exaltation of the Son, a new and final era commenced.

The letter to the  Hebrews  is addressed to a congregation that was facing pressure from outsiders, and some members were contemplating withdrawing from the assembly and returning to the local synagogue. The letter presents arguments for why doing so will have catastrophic consequences by stressing the superiority of the “ word of the Son ” over past revelations.

Having established his qualifications,  Hebrews  next presents Jesus as the high priest who intercedes faithfully for his people. He participated fully in the nature and sufferings common to all men, and therefore, his priestly ministry for his “ brethren ” is characterized by faithfulness, empathy, and compassion.

A key theme in the letter to the  Hebrews  is the elevation of the “ Son ” as the result of his obedient death. In his sufferings, he was “ perfected ,” and in his resurrection, God vindicated him and elevated him to “ sit down ” at the “ right hand of the Majesty on high ,” where he intercedes on behalf of his “ brethren .”

The letter to the  Hebrews  is built on a series of comparisons that demonstrate the supremacy of the “ word spoken in ” Christ over all past revelations “ spoken in the prophets .” The former “ words ” were true but partial and preparatory. But now, “ upon the last of these days ,” God has “ spoken ” with great finality in one who is a “ Son .”