Our background gate today is weary. It is weathered and worn down.
So also the book of Hebrews was written to people who were weary. They were being persecuted for their faith in Jesus. They were worn out.
The recipients of the book of Hebrews were Jewish Christians. These people had devoted their entire lives to learning the Torah … the Jewish Law. They had devoted their lives to following the Law.
They were well acquainted with the writings of Moses. They were very familiar with the writings of the prophets, as well as the prophecies regarding the coming Messiah who would be the Savior.
The letter of Hebrews is a message of encouragement for these persecuted, weary, and discouraged believers in Jesus. The book opens by immediately focusing on the great encouragement found in Jesus Christ and His conquered work as Savior!
“In the past God spoke to our forefathers through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days He has spoken to us by His Son.” – Hebrews 1:1-2
* Jesus is the Son of God! – Hebrews 1:2
* Jesus is the heir of all things! – Hebrews 1:2
* Jesus made the universe! – Hebrews 1:2
* Jesus is the very radiance of God’s glory! – Hebrews 1:3
* Jesus is the exact representation of God! – Hebrews 1:3
* Jesus sustains all things! – Hebrews 1:3
* Jesus provided purification from sin! – Hebrews 1:3
* Jesus is currently in Heaven, sitting at the right hand of God the Father. – Hebrews 1:3
Since the book of Hebrews is written to Jewish Christians, well-versed in the Old Testament Law & Prophets, the book of Hebrews is absolutely filled with references to the Old Testament Law & Prophets … focusing on Jesus as Savior!
Hebrews 1:5 – Psalm 2:7
Hebrews 1:5 – 2 Samuel 7:14; 1 Chronicles 17:13
Hebrews 1:6 – Deuteronomy 32:43
Hebrews 1:7 – Psalm 104:4
Hebrews 1:8-9 – Psalm 45:6-7
Hebrews 1:10-12 – Psalm 102:25-27
Hebrews 1:13 – Psalm 110:1
Hebrews 2:6-8 – Psalm 8:4-6
Hebrews 2:12 – Psalm 22:22
Hebrews 2:13a – Isaiah 8:17
Hebrews 2:13b – Isaiah 8:18
Hebrews 3:7-11 – Psalm 95:7-11
Hebrews 3:15 – Psalm 95:7-8
Hebrews 4:3 – Psalm 95:11
Hebrews 4:4 – Genesis 2:2
Hebrews 4:5 – Psalm 95:11
Hebrews 4:7 – Psalm 95:7-8
Hebrews 5:5 – Psalm 2:7
Hebrews 5:6 – Psalm 110:4
Hebrews 6:13-14 – Genesis 22:17
Hebrews 7:17 – Psalm 110:4
Hebrews 7:21 – Psalm 110:4
Hebrews 8:5 – Exodus 25:40
Hebrews 8:8-12 – Jeremiah 31:31-34
Hebrews 9:20 – Exodus 24:8
Hebrews 10:5-7 – Psalm 40:6-8
Hebrews 10:16 – Jeremiah 31:33
Hebrews 10:17 – Jeremiah 31:34
Hebrews 10:30a – Deuteronomy 32:35
Hebrews 10:30b – Deuteronomy 32:36; Psalm 135:14
Hebrews 10:37-38 – Habakkuk 2:3-4
Hebrews 11:18 – Genesis 21:12
Hebrews 12:5-6 – Proverbs 3:11-12
Hebrews 12:13 – Proverbs 4:26
Hebrews 12:20 – Exodus 19:12-13
Hebrews 12:21 – Deuteronomy 9:19
Hebrews 12:26 – Haggai 2:6
Hebrews 12:29 – Deuteronomy 4:24
Hebrews 13:5 – Deuteronomy 31:6
Hebrews 13:6 – Psalm 118:6-7
The message of the book of Hebrews is: Jesus is the Savior who has conquered! Therefore, you too can overcome! Hang in there!
“So do not throw away your confidence; it will be richly rewarded. You need to persevere so that when you have done the will of God, you will receive what He has promised.” – Hebrews 10:35-36
The book of Hebrews closes with a beautiful prayer tying together the Covenant of the Old Testament with its fulfillment in Jesus Christ: “May the God of peace, who through the blood of the eternal covenant brought back from the dead our Lord Jesus, that great Shepherd of the sheep, equip you with everything good for doing His will, and may He work in us what is pleasing to Him, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen.” – Hebrews 13:21-21
Jesus Christ in Hebrews
– Jesus is the heir of all things – Hebrews 1:2
– Jesus is superior to the angels – Hebrews 1:6
– Jesus is the Reigning King – Hebrews 1:8
– Jesus is the Creator of all things – Hebrews 1:10
– Jesus is eternal – Hebrews 1:12
– Jesus is the Faithful High Priest – Hebrews 2:17
– Jesus is the ultimate, once-for-all Sacrifice for sin – Hebrews 9:11-14
– Jesus is the Author and Finisher of our faith – Hebrews 12:2
– Jesus is our Helper – Hebrews 13:6
– Jesus is the Great Shepherd of the sheep – Hebrews 13:20
