HEBREWS BOOK OVERVIEW
NEW TESTAMENT LETTERS: A MESSAGE TO JEWISH BELIEVERS
The anonymous letter to the Hebrews strategically conveys a crucial message to believers, stating that Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment of the Old Testament covenant and law. Rather than dismissing the significance of previous teachings and prophets, Hebrews underscores the supremacy of Christ, positioning Him as God’s greatest messenger.
This book teaches that sacrifices are no longer needed because of Christ’s ultimate sacrifice. The author consistently draws parallels between the new covenant of Jesus and prominent figures from the Old Testament such as Moses, Abraham, Joshua, and Aaron. These comparisons underscore Christ's superiority while addressing an audience well-versed in Hebrew Scriptures. Hebrews serves as a powerful testament to God's goodness, portraying Jesus as the means for humanity's reconciliation with God. Hebrews serves as a testament to God’s faithfulness and encourages believers to cling to the truth of Christ throughout their lives.
MAIN IDEAS: JESUS ESTABLISHED THE NEW COVENANT
God previously spoke through the prophets, but He ultimately spoke through Jesus. (Hebrews 1:1-2)
Because Jesus lived on Earth, He can sympathize with suffering and temptation. (Hebrews 4:15)
Believers are called to cling to the hope of Christ throughout their entire lives. (Hebrews 6:11-12)
Jesus established a new covenant that is more excellent/complete than the law. (Hebrews 8:6-7)
EXAMPLE OF GOD’S CHARACTER: FOUNDER OF SALVATION
The author of Hebrews reflected on Psalm 8, saying, “What is man that you are mindful of him?” (Hebrews 4:6). God is mindful of humanity as the creator of the world and founder of salvation. God created humans and allowed us to entertain sin, but He did not leave us without a solution. God left nothing outside of His control; He purposefully sent Jesus to suffer and die as the means of restoring His relationship with humanity. Hebrews 2:9-10 teaches that God Himself tasted death through the crucifixion of Jesus. Because Jesus lived on Earth, He is able to sympathize with the suffering and temptation of humanity.
Instead of leaving humanity to their own devices, God sent Jesus as the founder and perfecter of the faith (Hebrews 12:1-2). Previously, the law highlighted humanity’s failures and need for a Savior. Once the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus occurred, a new, better law was established. John 3:16 tells of Jesus’ new covenant: whoever believes in Him as the sacrifice for sin will not perish but have eternal life. From the beginning, God planned to send Jesus as the Savior of humanity. The cross was not a backup plan!
JESUS IN HEBREWS: THE SUPREMACY OF CHRIST
The book of Hebrews expresses that Jesus is greater than anything or anyone else - ever! Jesus was the radiance of God and the exact imprint of His nature (Hebrews 1:3). Using key Old Testament figures, the author of Hebrews taught that Christ is greater than any other leader or ruler. He has more authority than the angels (Hebrews 1:5). He is a greater provider than Moses (Hebrew 3:3). He is a greater leader than Joshua (Hebrews 4:8). He was more faithful than Abraham (Hebrews 6:15-16). He was a holier priest than Aaron (Hebrews 7:26-28). Through the new covenant of Jesus, all of the previous covenants were annulled (Hebrews 8:13). God sent Jesus as the mediator of a new covenant so that believers may receive the promised eternal inheritance (Hebrews 9:15-16). The author of Hebrews went to great lengths to teach that Jesus is greater than everything!
