Although the word “covenant” occurs 8 x’s in chapter 8 (and 9 more x’s in chapters 9-10), the overall topic continues to be the priesthood of Jesus. The priestly ministry of Jesus is exercised under the new covenant (8:6), so the writer turns to this as another line of evidence pointing to the superiority ofContinue reading “Knowing the Lord”
Category Archives: Opening the Bible
Just What We Needed (2)
Knowing that Jesus is a high priest after the order of Melchizedek certainly helps us to understand the book of Hebrews. But there are other benefits as well. I want to deal with a couple of them in this piece. The first one has to do with the evidentiary value of Hebrews 7. Think aboutContinue reading “Just What We Needed (2)”
Just What We Needed (1)
The Hebrews writer has mentioned Melchizedek three times (5:6,10, 6:20), so he’s prepared his audience for the deeper dive of chapter 7. The priesthood of Jesus is the linchpin in his presentation of Jesus (“priest” is mentioned 40 x’s in the book with 19 of those occurring in chapter 7), so with the discussion ofContinue reading “Just What We Needed (1)”
The One Who Holds The Stars
The opening picture of Jesus in the book of Revelation is a breath taking one. It’s not the Jesus we’re used to seeing in paintings and pictures. From the way He’s described by John it’s clear it’s impressionistic and meant to convey certain truths about Christ rather than to portray His exact physical likeness. ForContinue reading “The One Who Holds The Stars”
How to Eat an Elephant
Do you remember the riddle, “How do you eat an elephant?” In case you don’t, the answer is, “One bite at a time.” Now I’ve never heard of anyone actually eating elephant, but that’s not really the point of the riddle—it’s aimed at helping us see that the way to tackle any big, daunting project is by breakingContinue reading “How to Eat an Elephant”
Revelation and the Back of the Bible
Have you ever wondered why the books of the Bible are in the order they are? The location of some books is a no brainer. After all, it would be hard for Genesis to be anywhere other than at the beginning, right? The Gospels being located at the start of the New Testament make similarContinue reading “Revelation and the Back of the Bible”
How Pilgrims Make Progress
The writer of Hebrews wants to talk about Jesus—as God’s ultimate Messenger, as the One who leads us to the promised land of heaven, as our great high priest—but he also feels the need to periodically stop and encourage the recipients of his letter in regard to their need to apply his words to theirContinue reading “How Pilgrims Make Progress”
Near to the Heart of God
Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has ascended into heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.For we do not have a high priest who is unable to empathize with our weaknesses, but we have one who has been tempted in every way, just as we are—yet he didContinue reading “Near to the Heart of God”
Called to Glory
Therefore, holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling, fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest. (Hebrews 3:1) Do you know what the athletes who will compete in the next Olympic games are doing right now? The short answer is—a lot of things we aren’t! For starters, they areContinue reading “Called to Glory”
Digging Deep And Standing Tall
Weekend Edition of NPR ran a story about the rising rate of obesity in France. It explained how this trend runs counter to the French culinary tradition of slow cooked meals of healthy foods eaten around the family table. A finger was pointed in the direction of American culture as imported through movies and television and it wasContinue reading “Digging Deep And Standing Tall”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 