The book of Hebrews reads like a sermon. It's the second most sustained work of theology in the Bible after Romans. It's written to a group of believers familiar with the Hebrew scriptures, who are facing persecution and even imprisonment. They seem tempted to abandon their faith. Hebrews meets this challenge by showing the supremacy of Jesus and exhorting the believers to stand firm in their faith.
Jesus is better than any and all aspects of the Old Testament religion. He's better than angels, the Sabbath, the high priesthood, Melchizedek, the old covenant, the tabernacle, blood sacrifices, and more. He's better than prophets, angels, Moses, Joshua, and Aaron. Jesus exceeds all aspects of the Old Testament, acting as a superior high priest, a greater hope, a more reliable promise, a perfect sacrifice, a true possession, a better homeland, and a more authoritative word. Stay focused on Jesus.
Hebrews highlights Jesus' accomplishments and contrasts him with Old Testament practices some believers were tempted to revert to, emphasizing his supremacy.
There's a lot that we don't know about Hebrews. We don't know the author or some details of the intended audience. But we do know one thing for sure: it's a book that shows us the supremacy and sufficiency of Jesus. We'll never find anyone or anything better than him. He is the fulfillment and reality we need. We dare not look anywhere else but to him.
The Big Idea of Hebrews
S: Why should we cling to Jesus?
C: Because he is supreme and all-sufficient, and offers us everything we need.
BI: Cling to Jesus because he is supreme and all-sufficient and offers us everything we need.
Jesus is Superior to Angels (1:1-2:18)
1:1-4
S: Why is it important that we rivet our attention on Jesus?
C: Because there's nobody better.
BI: Rivet your attention on Jesus because there's no-one like him.
1:5-2:4
S: How does Jesus compare to angels?
C: He's superior in every way.
BI: If you think angels are cool, look at Jesus — and don't lose your wonder!
2:5-18
S: Why did Jesus become human?
C: So that, becoming one of us, he could save us.
BI: Jesus became human so that, becoming one of us, he could save us.
Jesus is Superior to the Mosaic Law (3:1-10:18)
3:1-4:13
S: How is what we experience better than what Israel experienced?
C: They only got a preview of what we get to enjoy.
BI: God's people before only got a preview of what we get to enjoy, so enjoy Jesus and all that he's given us.
4:14-5:10
S: Why should we draw near to Christ?
C: Because he is a perfect high priest who can sympathize with us, represent us to God, and grant us salvation.
BI: Draw near to Christ because he is a perfect high priest who can sympathize with us, represent us to God, and grant us salvation.
5:11-6:12
S: Why is it important that we grow?
C: Because the genuineness of our faith is at stake.
BI: The genuineness of our faith is at stake in our growth.
6:13-20
S: What is the ground of our assurance?
C: God's faithfulness to keep his promises.
BI: We must persevere, but our hope is in God's faithfulness to keep his promises.
7
S: Why were the Old Testament priests not enough?
C: No matter how good they were, they couldn't get the job done.
BI: We need Jesus because only he can get the job done.
8
S: Why is the new covenant better?
C: It's based on better promises.
BI: Jesus gives us a much better way of approaching God than any other system.
9:1-10:18
S: Why is Jesus' sacrifice superior?
C: Because it is a more effective sacrifice.
BI: Jesus' sacrifice is superior because it deals decisively with our sins.
So Follow Jesus No Matter What (10:19-12:29)
10:19-39
S: Since Jesus is better, how should we respond?
C: Draw near, hold on, and watch out for each other.
BI: Since Jesus is better, draw near, hold on, and watch out for each other.
11
S: What can we learn from Old Testament saints about following God when it's not easy?
C/BI: Trust what God says is true, even when it doesn't look like it.
12:1-2
S: How can we endure?
C: By laying aside encumbrances and focusing on Jesus.
BI: Endure by laying aside encumbrances and focusing on Jesus.
12:3-17
S: How should we view our trials?
C: As a tool that our loving Father uses to help us grow.
BI: Our trials are a tool that our loving Father uses to help us grow.
12:18-29
S: How should we relate to God?
C: Wit freedom and confidence, not fear.
BI: Relate to God with freedom and confidence, not fear.
Concluding Exhortations and Greetings (13:1-25)
13:1-6
S: How does Jesus change our personal lives?
C: He leads us to show brotherly love, value marriage, and guard our hearts from the love of money.
BI: Jesus leads us to show brotherly love, value marriage, and guard our hearts from the love of money.
13:7-19
S: How does Jesus change our churches?
C: He leads us to follow godly leaders and to suffer like Jesus.
BI: Jesus calls churches to follow godly leaders and to suffer like Jesus.
13:20-25
S: How can we persevere in faith and good works?
C: By staying close to God, who gives us everything we need.
BI: Put your trust in God, who gives us everything we need to persevere.
