This fall my Wednesday evening Bible class studied the book of Hebrews. I chose the overall theme, “Portraits of Jesus.” Basically following Vanhoye’s outline, I presented the book as having five basic sections. Each of these sections is foreshadowed in a “bridge” or preview which immediately precedes it. The themes of each section run as threads throughout the section.
- Jesus as Son of God–and thus higher than the angels (chapter 1), and Son of man (chapter 2)
Jesus as faithful and merciful high priest (chapters 3-4-5)
Jesus did his priestly work as a priest after the order of Melchizedek (7), achieving the fulfillment or perfection of God’s plan (8-9) as the source of eternal salvation (10)
Faithful endurance is essential as demonstrated by the faith of those who went before (11) and the importance of continuing endurance (12)
Such endurance is foundational for the “better” life which is both sanctified (12) and shared (13)
Despite the fact that the five commonly recognized “warnings” do not fit perfectly into this outline but rather appear somewhat randomly (although each can be associated with one of the sections outlined above), this outline seems to reflect the basic thrust of the book. [An slightly altered outline results in each warning providing an introduction to the key concept which follows. I will discuss and demonstrate this in a future blog.]
- The first warning (2:1-4) appears in the middle of the first section and urges the recognition and exaltation of Christ.
The second warning (3:7-18, or perhaps 3:7-4:13) appears within the second section and provides a reminder and strong introduction to the concept of faithfulness as essential to God’s plan.
The third warning (5:11-6:20), appearing between the second and third sections, seems to introduce the longer middle section and the fourth warning (10:19-39), appearing between the third and fourth sections, seems to conclude the longer middle section. These two warnings serve as bookends or parentheses to set off the primary message of the book.
The fourth warning also introduces the fourth section which focuses on how one responds to the faithful and merciful high priesthood of Jesus.
Finally, the fifth warning (12:14) introduces the final section of the book.
This outline provides the following narrative summary of the book.
Chapters 1-2. For a long time God has been working to complete his purpose (which is the restoration of full access of humanity to his presence), and in the sending of his Son, Jesus, who effectively bridges the gap between the divine and the human by participating in both, his purpose is accomplished. It is thus no small thing to reject the human Jesus as the Son of God, despite the fact that this version of the “Messiah” is inconsistent with Jewish expectations. It is nonetheless consistent with the message of the Old Testament (7 OT citations in chapter 1) and with the message of the Psalmist (Psalm 8).
Chapters 3-5:10. Jesus can be an effective priest, providing mediation between God and his human creation, because of his nature, and is in fact both a faithful and merciful high priest, meeting all of the requirements and expectations of a priest. Be careful that you do not reject the deliverance God is providing, because he will not countenance such rejection and provide new alternatives forever.
Chapters 5:11-10:18. Jesus does not minister as the typical OT Levitical priest, but rather functions in a new and different way according to the order of Melchizedek, to restore perfect access to God in the heavenly tabernacle. This is not easy to understand, but those familiar with the word of God, those who are spiritually mature, should have no problem. The earthly tabernacle was only a copy of the true and heavenly dwelling of God, and the temporary must never be allowed to replace the permanent, either with regard to the covenant or the heavenly tabernacle which allows access to God’s presence. The salvation thus provided, according to God’s purpose, is eternal.
Chapters 10:19-12:13. Do not reject the restoration of God’s purpose by continually substituting an inferior version. This “new” purpose of God is exactly what the prophets and OT scriptures were pointing toward. This purpose of God is not new, has been visible by faith through the centuries as God was at work, and is demonstrated by the faithful perseverance of numerous heroes of faith in the OT, and demands faithful endurance yet today.
Chapters 12:14-13:25. Accepting God’s purpose is the real key to a “better” life, not measured by the absence of problems, but measured by God’s presence, rejoicing, confidence, purity, grace, and worship. This better life not only provides access to God in ways never possible under the old covenant, it also repairs broken horizontal relationships so that they are not legislated by are the natural results of a renewed nature.
[More to come.]