The book of Hebrews has been demonstrating:
- the superiority of Jesus compared to Moses,
- the superiority of Jesus’ sacrifice compared to animal sacrifice,
- the superiority of Jesus’ priesthood compared to the Levitical priesthood, etc.
Because of this the New Covenant is superior to the Old Covenant, thus the teaching about Jesus, his sacrifice, his priesthood, and his New Covenant sealed in his blood is not only superior but necessary for developing faith, or confidence, that will bring about maturity and the will of God in a believer’s thoughts, words and actions.
The writer of Hebrews has just told the readers to:
“Remember your leaders, who spoke the word of God to you. Consider the outcome of thei way of life and imitate their faith.” – Hebrews 13:7
And, then after telling them to remember their leaders and to remember what God did for them through faith, which has now been passed on through their teaching of the word of God, the author tells his readers that, “Jesus is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Meaning, the truth of the word of God that revealed Jesus to “your leaders” of 68 AD and that had built up their faith and confidence, is available to these readers who may be facing the repercussions of the Jewish Wars of 66-70 AD. Since, Jesus is the same today as yesterday; the readers should continue with the word of God.
The readers should, “not be carried away by all kinds of strange teachings.” There were some who were trying to “update” the word of God or adding more “relevant” instruction that matched the Jewish culture. In this case the teaching was finding meaning and direction in ceremonial foods and other applications and practices that the author says are “of no benefit to those who do so.”
It is good for our faith to be strengthened by the message in the word of God, and not “by all kinds of strange teachings” that avoid the direct presentation of the Word of Truth.
“It is good for our hearts to be strengthened by grace.” – Hebrews 13:9 |
