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Hebrews 1:1-4, 2:5-12                              

 

AN ANCIENT SERMON? - The book of Hebrews has always presented an enigma to those who analyze literary forms. Recent scholars now regard the book as an early compilation of sermonettes-several sermons pasted together. Ancient sermons included three things: an exampla (theological and scriptural proofs), a conclusion based on the exempla, and an exhortation. [1] Our lesson forms part of one such sermon-2:5-13 are the exempla; verses 14-18 offer a conclusion; and 3:1 forms an exhortation as well as a transition into the next sermon.

HOW MAJESTIC IS YOUR NAME IN ALL THE EARTH - The opening paragraph (1:1-4) is beautiful. The high christology that recurs through Hebrews is here described by the use of seven clauses: (1) heir of all things; (2) the agency through which God created all things; (3) the radiant light of God’s glory; (4) the exact representation of God (as a coin reflects precisely the die); (5) the one who sustains all creation; (6) the one who made purification for sins; (7) the one who sits at God’s right hand.

WORD OF ENCOURAGEMENT - It is evident, after only two chapters, that the writer of Hebrews is a pastor, writing a word of encouragement. For example, in 2:5-18, Christ is presented to the readers as a pioneer, the one who goes before them not only showing the way but also creating a path. Christ is also our champion, defeating the devil and setting us free from the fear of death. In addition, Christ is our high priest, offering a sacrifice of atonement for our sins. And finally, Christ is our representative before God, our advocate, intercessor for all who are being put to the test. [2]

 

What might have been the general thinking about angels and prophets at the time of this writing that would prompt the writer to raise these two groups in contrast to Jesus?

What danger did these people (Christian recipients) face? (2:2-3 seems to hint at it as well as other places in Hebrews.) [3]

 

Revisit some of the ways in the past that God communicated to / with humanity. [4]

Shift to the text-1:1-4 especially; the writer insists that Jesus is the fullest revelation of God’s heart to earth. Why is the revelation so far beyond anything previously communicated?

Share expositionally the reasons that this ancient pastor offers the Hebrews community-based on the seven clauses mentioned in the commentary section.

Closure: God created people for a loving relationship with God’s Self. Sin shatters that possibility. Nothing can restore it. So God did all that was needed in Christ.

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[1] James L. Bailey and Lyle D. Vander Broek, Literary Forms in the New Testament (Louisville: Westerminster/John Knox Press, 1993), page 192.
[2] The New Interpreter’s Bible XII (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1998), page 43.
[3] Questions from Serendipity Bible (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, 1998), page 696,
[4] Outline found in The Abingdon Preaching Annual 2003 Edition (Abingdon Press, 2002), p. 336.