Journey Through Hebrews
It seems that everybody is looking for something better – a better life, a better job, a better family situation, a better place to live, a better car, better health, better benefits…better everything. The whole world seems to long after something better. One book in Scripture reveals a better way. The book of Hebrews is about better things. Nothing and no one is better than our Savior, Jesus Christ. Journey through Hebrews and discover how much better Jesus is!
Listen: Journeying through Hebrews
Overview of Hebrews
Hebrews gets its name from the fact that it was addressed to a group of believers who were Hebrews. They were Jews who had come to believe in the true Messiah, the Lord Jesus Christ. They were living in a perilous time. There was danger of going back to their old religion, to Judaism, being drawn back into just a life of ritual and religion and routine. The writer of Hebrews writes to tell them, you do not need that, because Jesus Christ has given you better things.
Now, this is a powerful book. There has been a lot of debate over who wrote it. Some suggest the Apostle Paul, that Hebrew of the Hebrews, a man much qualified to write this particular book that has so many Old Testament references. Others have suggested Apollos and others have suggested Luke or Silas.
We do not know for sure. And I have learned early on it is best not to be adamant about something God was not clear on in Scripture. We do not know who wrote the book of Hebrews, and yet we do not need to know because it bears the mark of divine authorship. In a sense, all of Scripture is authored by the same person. and that is the sweet, wonderful Holy Spirit of God.
The Message of Hebrews
The book of Hebrews is God’s message to us now. It has so much connection to the Old Testament, and that’s because it’s dealing with Jews who grew up believing and studying and following the Old Testament Scripture. The book of Hebrews has actually been called a commentary on the book of Leviticus.
There are some 86 different references to the Old Testament, so there is a lot of connection to the Old Testament Scripture. And here is the point: Jesus Christ came not to destroy the Old Testament, but to fulfill it. To make available to man what the law could never provide. He came to give us better things.
You see, the truth is, life is not about better things. It is about a better person. And that better person is the Lord Jesus Christ. The book of Hebrews is about a better person who brings the better things. You do not get all the better things without Jesus. No friend, you get Jesus, and when you get Christ, you get it all. Christ is better. He is better than Judaism, better than any system, better than any law, and better than any set of rules and regulations. And when He brings his own life into your life, He brings all of the better things with Him.
Better Things
There are many things described in the book of Hebrews as better.
- Hebrews 1:1-2 | Christ is better than the prophets
- Hebrews 1:4 | Christ’s name is better than all, and He is better than the angels
- Hebrews 3:1-5 | Christ is better than Moses
- Hebrews 4:8 | Christ is better than Joshua
- Hebrews 5:4-5 | Christ is better than Aaron
- Hebrews 6:9 | Better things come with Christ
- Hebrews 7:7 | Christ is better than any person
- Hebrews 7:19 | Christ brings a better hope
- Hebrews 7:22, Hebrews 8:6 | Christ ushered in a better covenant, a better testament
- Hebrews 8:6 | Christ gives better promises
- Hebrews 9:23 | Christ is a far better sacrifice
- Hebrews 10:34 | Christ offers a better and enduring substance saved and reserved for us in Heaven.
- Hebrews 11:16 | There is a better country reserved for us
- Hebrews 11:35 | There is a better resurrection
- Hebrews 11:40 | There is a better thing. It will be revealed to us at the judgment seat of Christ
- Hebrews 12:24 | The blood of Jesus speaks of better things than Abel’s
“And to Jesus the mediator of the new covenant, and to the blood of sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.” Abel’s blood cried out for justice. Jesus’ blood cries out for mercy. Christ is better, and He brings better things.
Key Verses of Hebrews
The key verses of the book will unlock how to discover these better things. There are two of them:
First, Hebrews 4:14 says, “Seeing then that we have a great high priest, that is passed into the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold fast our profession.” Where do we find these better things? By seeing Christ — seeing the one who has passed into the heavens. Seeing the One who goes beyond this world and this life, and what this earth can offer, and what man can do. See Christ.
Secondly, Hebrews 12:2: “Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.”
In chapter four, seeing. In chapter twelve, looking. But both have the same great object, and that is looking unto Jesus. This is the great theme of Hebrews.
- Hebrews 1-10:18 deals with doctrine. It describes the superior Person of Jesus Christ and what He came to do.
- Herews 10:19-13:25 deals with the practical Christian life. We are instructed how to live this superior life – this life with Christ in the heavenlies.
However, the amazing truth is that in both sections of the book the same key is given, looking to Jesus.
The Definition of Faith
Many people refer to Hebrews 11 as that great faith chapter. It is often called the Westminster Abbey of Faith or the Hall of Faith. (See Scott’s series ‘Believe!’ on Hebrews 11 HERE). Indeed, it describes faith for us. However, the definition of faith is found in Hebrews 12.
What is faith? It is “looking unto Jesus, the author and finisher of our faith” (vs. 2). It is looking away from everything and everyone else and looking only to Jesus. The hymn writer wrote it correctly: “Turn your eyes upon Jesus. Look full in his wonderful face. And the things of earth will grow strangely dim in the light of his glory and grace.” The Old Testament said it this way, “Look unto me, and be ye saved, all the ends of the earth” (Isaiah 45:22).
Faith: Looking Unto Jesus
Hebrews 11 is not just about the faith of others; it is about the faith we all are to have, looking to the Lord Jesus Christ. In the Old Testament, they looked forward to Him. Now, in this era in the New Testament age, we look back and up to Him because now we get a clear glimpse of who this better person is: it is Jesus Christ.
What is faith? Faith is simply looking to the Lord Jesus Christ. And when you see Him, what do you discover? You discover a better person who brings with him better things.
The book of Hebrews was written to believers who were in danger of going back to lesser things. Friend, you cannot get anything more, anything greater than Christ himself. He is God living inside of you, and no amount of religious routine and ritual can meet the deepest need of your life. That fulfillment only comes through the person of Jesus Christ. Faith is how we come to Christ; faith is how we live as followers of Jesus Christ. It is all faith.
Hebrews — Different Titles with the Same Emphasis
The Fifth Gospel
Some Bible teachers refer to Hebrews as the fifth gospel record because it deals not only with Christ’s finished work on earth, but His ongoing work in Heaven. No other book in the New Testament reveals more about Christ’s present work. He ever liveth making intercession for you and me. At this moment, our better person is interceding for us at the throne of God. That’s how you can live a better life.
The Miniature Bible
Some refer to Hebrews as the miniature Bible because it begins with God. Just like Genesis 1:1, Hebrews 1:1 begins with God. And how does it end? It ends with a heavenly Jerusalem. It ends with the same ending you find in the Revelation of Jesus Christ. But watch this: from start to finish, from the beginning to the end, just like the entire Bible, its great message is the message of Jesus Christ.
If you want a better life today, do not try to make a better life, and do not look to somebody else to provide the better things you need. Look to Jesus because only Christ brings better things.
Related Article: 5 Ways to Get More Out of Your Bible Reading
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