The list goes on - heroes of faith.
The faith of the patriarchs
Hebrews 11:11-22
Moses and other Old Testament examples
Hebrews 11:23-40
Exhortation to persevere
Hebrews 12:1-13
Following peace and holiness
Hebrews 12:14-17
Superiority of New Testament dispensation
Hebrews 12:18-29
Various exhortations
Hebrews 13:1-19
Conclusion
Hebrews 13:20-25
Yes, the list goes on and on. But with a wonderful unexpected twist, the writer ends up chapter 11 by saying that none of them, heroes and heroines though they all are, none of them have received the blessing that we know as Christians. It reminds me of Jesus talking about John the Baptist, calling him the greatest prophet who has ever lived, and then saying that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. We are royalty - adopted members of God’s own family- and that puts a new spin on the difficulties that Christians face: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.” (12:7)
After this triumphant climax, and the reminder that we have a better blessing than the anxious Hebrews huddling at the base of Mount Sinai, the letter peters out with a string of instructions and exhortations. But its job is done, the argument is made, that Christianity is better than Judaism. It’s striking me just how much of the New Testament is a reaction against the Old.
The faith of the patriarchs
Hebrews 11:11-22
Moses and other Old Testament examples
Hebrews 11:23-40
Exhortation to persevere
Hebrews 12:1-13
Following peace and holiness
Hebrews 12:14-17
Superiority of New Testament dispensation
Hebrews 12:18-29
Various exhortations
Hebrews 13:1-19
Conclusion
Hebrews 13:20-25
Yes, the list goes on and on. But with a wonderful unexpected twist, the writer ends up chapter 11 by saying that none of them, heroes and heroines though they all are, none of them have received the blessing that we know as Christians. It reminds me of Jesus talking about John the Baptist, calling him the greatest prophet who has ever lived, and then saying that the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he. We are royalty - adopted members of God’s own family- and that puts a new spin on the difficulties that Christians face: “Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children.” (12:7)
After this triumphant climax, and the reminder that we have a better blessing than the anxious Hebrews huddling at the base of Mount Sinai, the letter peters out with a string of instructions and exhortations. But its job is done, the argument is made, that Christianity is better than Judaism. It’s striking me just how much of the New Testament is a reaction against the Old.
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