Sermons

Our reflection continues the theme of Jesus’ Messianic priesthood; Jesus is the mediator of God’s faith community through His work of propitiation. The author speaks to those of who are quick to hear and seeks to dissuade them from a return to the pomp and circumstance of their former Jewish lifestyle by showing the superiority of Christ’s role as high priest over that of the Aaronic priesthood. The author does this by combining and correcting their ideas about Melchizedek from the Essenes and Philonic philosophy.

Our reflection returns to the theme of Jesus’ Messianic priesthood introduced in Hebrews 2:17-18 and addressed again in 5:1-10. Jesus’ priestly work of propitiation, based upon a deep sympathy for our suffering, sets up an explanation of His high priestly office that continues through 10:18. The author speaks to those of who are quick to hear. He seeks to dissuade them from being wooed back to the pomp and circumstance of their former Jewish lifestyle and does this by showing the superiority of Christ’s role as high priest over that of the Aaronic priesthood.

The author is persuaded that he is speaking to those who are not so dull as to be deaf to his warning to avoid apostasy. They don’t crucify Christ again. They are not wooed to return to the pomp and circumstance of their former Jewish lifestyle. Further, they have served and still serve with the fruit of the Spirit. The author’s current discussion sets the stage for a deeper discussion that encompasses Jesus’ priesthood in the order of Melchizedek, His propitiation, and our access to God’s throne of Grace.

Context: The heart of this third blunt exhortation is the author’s desire to lead the readers to a deepened, mature faith. It is a faith that encompasses how Jesus’ priesthood in the order of Melchizedek associates with His propitiation and access to God’s throne of Grace. It is here that the mysteries of His word can purify our emotions and reality constructs unto godly righteousness. As the author previously warns, God only permits the spiritually diligent into the throne room of His mysteries and His salvation, not the apostate.