2. He points them to people. But if the past can be painfully instructive, it can also be powerfully inspiring. The writer’s history lesson isn’t about the average rainfall in the Mediterranean, the political structure they lived under, or the leading export. He wants to tell them about people. But not just any people. People likeContinue reading “A Look at Hebrews 11 (2)”
Category Archives: Opening the Bible
The Third Call
Hebrews 10:19-25 is an instructive text—both for understanding the letter as well as for living as a follower of Jesus today—especially as it relates to community life. This section consists of two conclusions (punctuated by the word “since”) and three calls (“let us”). The conclusions are: 1) We have confidence to enter into the presence ofContinue reading “The Third Call”
The Three Appearances of Jesus
The writer speaks of three appearances of Jesus in 9:24-28. Taken together, they encapsulate His work in bringing many sons and daughters to glory. The writer touches on what happened on earth, what is happening in heaven, and what will happen at the end of history as we know it. Jesus’ first appearance is spokenContinue reading “The Three Appearances of Jesus”
Knowing the Lord
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”
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 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”
A Taste of Grace with Bruce Green 