December 1, 2026
Do You See What I See?
Hebrews 11:1-2, 39-40; 12:1-2
Key Verse | Hebrews 12:2
…looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Today's Focus
Today’s Prayer Prompt
Ask the Holy Spirit to open your eyes to see Jesus throughout Scripture and help you grow in faith as you read God’s Word.
Hebrews 11:1-2, 39-40; 12:1-2
Chapter 11
By Faith
1 Now faith is the assurance of things hoped for, the conviction of things not seen. 2 For by it the people of old received their commendation.
39 And all these, though commended through their faith, did not receive what was promised, 40 since God had provided something better for us, that apart from us they should not be made perfect.
Chapter 12
Jesus, Founder and Perfecter of Our Faith
1 Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 2 looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.
Table of Contents
Introduction to Hebrews
Timeline
Author, Date, and Recipients
The author of Hebrews is unknown. He knew Timothy (13:23). He was not an eyewitness of Jesus (see 2:1, 3). The letter was probably written before A.D. 70. Early manuscripts bear the title “To the Hebrews,” which reflects the ancient assumption that it was written to Jewish Christians as well as Gentile Christians who previously had been drawn to the Jewish religion. The author knew his readers and wanted to see them again (13:19).
Theme
Jesus Christ is greater than any angel, priest, or old covenant practice. Christians must not forsake the great salvation that Jesus has brought about. They must hold on by faith to the true rest found in Christ, and they must encourage others in the church to do the same.
Purpose, Occasion, and Background
Hebrews has two primary purposes: to encourage Christians to endure, and to warn them not to abandon their faith in Christ. These warning passages appear throughout the book (2:1–4; 3:7–4:13; 5:11–6:12; 10:19–39; 12:1–29). The author encourages faithfulness, love, and sound doctrine. He does so by carefully teaching the OT in light of God’s revelation in Jesus Christ.
The author shows the superiority of Christ and his new covenant over angels, Moses, the OT priesthood, and the OT sacrificial system. These are so inferior to Christ that it is futile to return to them—or to go anywhere else. Rather, believers should hold fast to their faith, because that faith is grounded in the most superior revelation.
The background of such exhortations must have been the readers’ need to continue enduring amid persecution and the trials of life (e.g., ch. 12). They appear to have grown less attentive to Christian instruction (5:11–14), and some apparently have ceased regular attendance at their meetings (10:25). The author reminds them of their past faithfulness and love despite persecution (10:32–34).
Ultimately, the author’s words of encouragement and exhortation are rooted in his teaching about Jesus Christ. The Son of God became the heavenly high priest, who offered himself as a sacrifice once for all. Christ obtained salvation for all who approach him in faith (6:1; 11:6; compare 4:2), and such faith perseveres until it receives the promised eternal reward (6:12; 10:22, 38–39).
Key Themes
- Jesus is fully God and fully man (1:1–14; 2:5–18).
- Jesus, the Son of God, reveals God the Father. He is the creator and he sustains all creation (1:1–14).
- Jesus is the eternal high priest. As a man, he sympathizes with human weaknesses, and he offered himself as the perfect sacrifice for sin (1:3; 2:10–18; 4:15–16; 9:11–10:19).
- Jesus is superior to angels, to Moses, to the Mosaic covenant, to the earthly tabernacle, and to the priesthood (1:4–2:18; 3:1–6; 5:1–10; 7:1–10:18).
- All humanity faces eternal judgment for sin (4:12–13; 9:27–28; 10:26–31).
- Faith is necessary to please God and to participate in his eternal salvation. Faith requires confidence about the unseen realities of God and his promises. Such faith produces perseverance (6:1; 10:22, 38–39; 11:1–40).
- Perseverance is necessary in the Christian life; believers are warned against a lack of endurance (2:1–4; 3:7–4:13; 10:19–39; 12:1–29).
- God’s promises are trustworthy, including his promise of eternal salvation (6:13–20).
- With the coming of Jesus Christ, the last days have begun. They will be completed when he returns (1:2; 9:9–28; 12:22–29).
Outline
- Jesus Is Superior to Angelic Beings (1:1–2:18)
- Jesus Is Superior to the Mosaic Law (3:1–10:18)
- Call to Faith and Endurance (10:19–12:29)
- Concluding Encouragements and Remarks (13:1–25)
Fact: The term “Hebrews”
The term “Hebrews” is used in 4:6 by the Philistines to describe the Israelites as an ethnic group. The term literally means “descendants of Eber” (Gen. 10:21–25). After David established the monarchy, the nation was referred to as “Israel” rather than “the Hebrews.”
Fact: Hospitality
Hospitality was encouraged within the early church (5:10). Peter teaches Christians to “show hospitality to one another without grumbling” (1 Pet. 4:9; see Rom. 12:13) The writer of Hebrews even comments that some who offered hospitality actually “entertained angels” without realizing it (Heb. 13:2).
Fact: A better covenant
A better covenant. A key theme in the book of Hebrews is the superiority of the new covenant over the old. The words “better,” “more,” or “greater” to describe the new covenant appear a combined total of 25 times.
Fact: Foot races
Foot races were a popular sport in the Greco-Roman world. Paul uses the image of a race to illustrate the Christian life (1 Cor. 9:24; 2 Tim. 4:7). The writer of Hebrews also encourages believers to “run with endurance the race that is set before us” (Heb. 12:1).
Fact: Roman imprisonment
Roman imprisonment varied greatly, depending on the crime. Some prisoners were held in public prisons while others were kept under house arrest. The writer of Hebrews reminds his audience to “remember those who are in prison” (13:3). This included believers imprisoned for their faith (13:23; 10:32–34).
Fact: Faith
Even under the old covenant, faith was essential for a relationship with God. The OT saints believed God and obeyed him even though they did not see his promises fulfilled completely (ch. 11). Christians, however, have the amazing privilege of having seen God’s plan fulfilled in Christ.
Fact: Rahab
Rahab is a remarkable example of the fact that God can use whomever he chooses to accomplish his will (1 Cor. 1:26–31). Though a prostitute and a Gentile, Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt. 1:5). She is remembered as a model of faith completed in works (James 2:25) and is listed among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11.
New Testament Timeline
The following chart provides a detailed New Testament timeline. Most of the dates can be determined precisely by correlating biblical events with extensive historical documents and archaeological evidence. Dates with an asterisk denote approximate or alternative dates. The extensive external confirmation of New Testament dates and events encourages great confidence in the truth and historicity of both the Old and New Testaments.
| 5 B.C.* | Jesus is born in Bethlehem. |
| 4 B.C. | Jesus’ family flees to Egypt to escape from Herod’s plan to kill Jesus (Matt. 2:13–18); Herod dies; Judas (of Sepphoris) and others rebel, requiring the Syrian Governor Varus to intervene throughout Palestine; Sepphoris, a city four miles from Nazareth, is destroyed by Roman soldiers; Judea, Samaria, and Idumea are given to Herod’s son, Archelaus; Galilee and Perea are given to his son Antipas; Jesus’ family, after returning from Egypt, resides in Nazareth (Matt. 2:19–23), a small village in southern Galilee. |
| A.D. 6 | Archelaus is exiled for incompetence; Judea becomes a Roman province; Judas the Galilean (of Gamla) leads a revolt against the tax census; the governor of Syria, Quirinius (A.D. 6–7), appoints Annas high priest (6–15). |
| 8* | Jesus (age 12) interacts with the teachers in the temple (Luke 2:41–50). |
| 8*–28/30 | Jesus works as a carpenter in Nazareth (Matt. 13:55; Mark 6:3) and probably in neighboring villages and Sepphoris, which was being rebuilt. |
| 28–29* | John the Baptist begins his ministry around the Jordan River (John 1:19). |
| 28–30* | Jesus begins his ministry in Judea, but soon focuses his efforts in Galilee. In Jerusalem, Pharisees (like Gamaliel) train disciples (like Paul) in their tradition. They send a delegation to Galilee, but the delegation rejects Jesus’ teaching. In Alexandria, Philo (20 B.C.–A.D. 50) attempts to unify Greek philosophy with Hebrew Scripture. |
| 33 (or 30) | Jesus returns to Judea, is crucified, and resurrected. James the brother of Jesus becomes a believer after witnessing the resurrected Jesus (1 Cor. 15:7; Acts 12:17). Jesus ascends to the Father’s right hand (Acts 1). Jesus’ first followers receive the Holy Spirit at Pentecost and begin to proclaim the gospel (Acts 2). |
| 33/34* | Paul witnesses the resurrected Lord on the way to Damascus and is commissioned as an apostle to the nations (Acts 9; Gal. 1:15–16). |
| 34–37 | Paul ministers in Damascus and Arabia (Acts 9:19–22; 26:20; Gal. 1:16–18). |
| 36 | Pilate loses his position for incompetence. |
| 36/37* | Paul meets with Peter in Jerusalem (Acts 9:26–30; Gal. 1:18). |
| 37–45 | Paul ministers in Syria, Tarsus, and Cilicia (Acts 9:30; Gal. 1:21). |
| 38* | Peter witnesses to Cornelius (Acts 10). |
| 39 | Antipas is exiled. |
| 40–45* | James writes his letter to believers outside Palestine (see James 1:1). |
| 41–44 | Agrippa, Herod the Great’s grandson, rules Palestine; he kills James the brother of John (Acts 12:2) and imprisons Peter (Acts 12:3). |
| 42–44 | Paul receives his “thorn in the flesh” (2 Cor. 12:7). |
| 44 | Peter leaves Jerusalem; Agrippa is killed by an “angel of the Lord” (Acts 12:23). |
| 44–46 | Theudas persuades many Jews to sell their possessions and follow him into the wilderness where he claimed he would miraculously divide the Jordan River; Roman procurator Fadus dispatches his cavalry and beheads the would-be messiah. |
| 44–47* | Paul’s Second Visit to Jerusalem; time of famine (Acts 11:27–30; Gal. 2:1–10). |
| 46–47 | Paul’s First Missionary Journey (with Barnabas) from Antioch to Cyprus, Antioch in Pisidia, Iconium, and Lystra (Acts 13:4–14:26). |
| 46–48 | Roman procurator Tiberius Alexander crucifies two sons (Jacob and Simon) of Judas the Galilean. |
| 48* | Paul writes Galatians, perhaps from Antioch (see Acts 14:26–28). |
| 48–49* | Paul and Peter return to Jerusalem for the Apostolic Council, which, with the assistance of James, frees Gentile believers from the requirement of circumcision in opposition to Pharisaic believers (Acts 15:1–29); Paul and Barnabas return to Antioch (Acts 15:30) but split over a dispute about John Mark (Acts 15:36–40). |
| 48/49–51* | Paul’s Second Missionary Journey (with Silas) from Antioch to Syria, Cilicia, southern Galatia, Macedonia, notably Philippi, Thessalonica, and Berea; and then on to Achaia, notably Athens and Corinth (Acts 15:36–18:22). |
| 49 | Claudius expels Jews from Rome because of conflicts about Jesus (Acts 18:2); Paul befriends two refugees, Priscilla and Aquila, in Corinth (Acts 18:2–3). |
| 49–51* | Paul writes 1–2 Thessalonians from Corinth (Acts 18:1, 11; also compare Acts 18:5 with 1 Thess. 1:8). |
| 51 | Paul appears before Gallio, proconsul of Achaia (Acts 18:12–17). |
| 50–54* | Peter comes to Rome. |
| 52–57* | Paul’s Third Missionary Journey from Antioch to Galatia, Phrygia, Ephesus, Macedonia, Greece (Acts 18:23–21:17). |
| 52–55 | Paul ministers in Ephesus (Acts 19:1–20). |
| 53–55* | Mark writes his Gospel, containing Peter’s memories of Jesus; perhaps within a decade, Matthew publishes his Gospel, which relies on Mark and other sources. Paul writes 1 Corinthians from Ephesus (Acts 19:10). |
| 54 | Claudius dies (edict exiling Jews repealed); Priscilla and Aquila return to Rome and host a church in their home (see Rom. 16:3–5). |
| 54–68 | Nero reigns. |
| 55–56* | Paul writes 2 Corinthians from Macedonia (Acts 20:1, 3; 2 Cor. 1:16; 2:13; 7:5; 8:1; 9:2, 4; see 1 Cor. 16:5). |
| 57* | Paul winters in Corinth and writes Romans (Acts 20:3; see Rom. 16:1–2; also see Rom. 16:23 with 1 Cor. 1:14); travels to Jerusalem (Acts 21:1–16), visits with James the brother of Jesus (Acts 21:17–26), and is arrested (Acts 21:27–36; 22:22–29). |
| 57–59 | Paul is imprisoned and transferred to Caesarea (Acts 23:23–24, 33–34). |
| 60 | Paul begins voyage to Rome (Acts 27:1–2); he is shipwrecked for three months on the island of Malta (Acts 27:39–28:10). |
| 60–70* | Letter to the Hebrews is written. |
| 62 | James the brother of the Lord is executed by the Sadducean high priest Ananus. |
| 62–63* | Peter writes his first letter (1 Peter) from Rome (1 Pet. 5:13). |
| 62* | Paul arrives in Rome and remains under house arrest (Acts 28:16–31); he writes Ephesians (see verses for Colossians), Philippians (Phil. 1:7, 13, 17; 4:22), Colossians (Col. 4:3, 10, 18; see Acts 27:2 with Col. 4:10), Philemon (see Philem. 23 with Col. 1:7; Philem. 2 with Col. 4:17; Philem. 24 with Col. 4:10; also see Col. 4:9). Luke, Paul’s physician and companion (see Col. 4:14), writes Luke and Acts. |
| 62–64 | Paul is released, extends his mission (probably reaching Spain), writes 1 Timothy from Macedonia (see 1 Tim. 1:3) and Titus from Nicopolis (Titus 3:12); he is rearrested in Rome (2 Tim. 1:16–17). |
| 63–64 | Work on the temple complex is completed. |
| 64 (July 19) | Fire in Rome; Nero blames and kills many Christians. |
| 64–67* | Peter writes his second letter ( 2 Peter). Jude writes his letter. Paul writes 2 Timothy (see 2 Tim. 4:6–8). Paul and Peter are martyred in Rome. |
| 66 | First Jewish-Roman War begins with a riot between Greeks and Jews at Caesarea; Roman procurator Gesius Florus (A.D. 64–66) is murdered and a Roman garrison wiped out; Menahem, son or grandson of Judas the Galilean, murders the high priest Ananias and seizes control of the temple; Nero dispatches Vespasian with three legions. |
| 67* | Romans destroy the Qumran community, who beforehand hid the so-called Dead Sea Scrolls in nearby caves; the church in Jerusalem flees to Pella (Matt. 24:15–16; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20–22); John migrates to Ephesus with Mary, Jesus’ mother. |
| 68 | Nero commits suicide; year of the three emperors. |
| 69 | Rebellion quelled in Galilee and Samaria; Vespasian summoned back to Rome to become emperor. |
| 70 (Aug. 30) | Titus, Vespasian’s son, after a five-month siege of Jerusalem, destroys the temple after desecrating it; the temple’s menorah, Torah, and veil are removed and later put on display in a victory parade in Rome; the influence of the Sadducees ends; the Pharisee Johanan ben Zakkai escapes and convinces the Romans to allow him and others to settle in Jamnia, where they found a school. |
| 73 (May 2)* | Before Roman general Silva breaches the fortress atop Masada following a two-year siege, 936 Jewish rebels commit suicide. |
| 75 | Titus has an affair with the Jewish princess Berenice, sister of Agrippa II (Acts 25:13, 23), whom he later abandons because of the scandal. |
| 77 | Pliny the Elder writes Natural History. |
| 77–78 | Josephus publishes Jewish War in Rome. |
| 79 | Pompeii and Herculaneum are destroyed by eruption of Vesuvius; Pliny the Elder dies attempting to investigate. |
| 81 | The Arch of Titus, celebrating his destruction of the temple, is erected in Rome. |
| 81–96 | Domitian, Titus’s brother, persecutes Christians among the Roman nobility, including his own relatives Clemens and Domitilla. |
| 85–95* | John writes his letters (1–3 John), probably in Ephesus. |
| 89–95* | John writes his Gospel, probably in Ephesus. |
| 93–94 | Josephus publishes Jewish Antiquities in Rome. |
| 94 | Domitian exiles philosophers from Rome. |
| 95* | Amidst persecution, Clement, a leader in the Roman church, writes his Letter to the Corinthians (1 Clement) appealing for peace between the young men and elders. |
| 95–96* | Exiled by Domitian to Patmos, John writes Revelation (Rev. 1:9). |
| 96–98 | Nerva, the first of five “good” emperors, ends official persecution. |
* denotes approximate date; / signifies either/or
The Epistles
| Book | Author | Date | Recipients | Place of Writing |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| James | James | 40–45 | Jewish Christians in or near Palestine | Jerusalem? |
| Galatians | Paul | 48 | South Galatian churches | Syrian Antioch |
| 1 Thessalonians | Paul | 49–51 | Church in Thessalonica | Corinth |
| 2 Thessalonians | Paul | 49–51 | Church in Thessalonica | Corinth |
| 1 Corinthians | Paul | 53–55 | Church in Corinth | Ephesus |
| 2 Corinthians | Paul | 55–56 | Church in Corinth | Macedonia |
| Romans | Paul | 57 | Church in Rome | Corinth |
| Philippians | Paul | 62 | Church in Philippi | Rome |
| Colossians | Paul | 62 | Church in Colossae | Rome |
| Philemon | Paul | 62 | Philemon | Rome |
| Ephesians | Paul | 62 | Churches in Asia Minor (circular letter?) | Rome |
| 1 Timothy | Paul | 62–64 | Timothy | Macedonia? |
| Titus | Paul | 62–64 | Titus | Nicopolis |
| 1 Peter | Peter | 62–63 | Churches in Roman provinces in Asia Minor | Rome |
| 2 Peter | Peter | 64–67 | Churches in Roman provinces in Asia Minor? | Rome |
| 2 Timothy | Paul | 64–67 | Timothy | Rome |
| Jude | Jude | Mid–60s | Jewish Christians in Egypt? Asia Minor? Antioch? | Unknown |
| Hebrews | Unknown | 60–70 | Jewish Christians in Rome or in or near Palestine | Unknown |
| 1 John | John | 85–95 | Churches near Ephesus? | Ephesus |
| 2 John | John | 85–95 | Church or churches near Ephesus | Ephesus |
| 3 John | John | 85–95 | Gaius | Ephesus |
Psalm 110 in Hebrews
| Psalm 110 | Hebrews |
|---|---|
| “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool’” (v. 1). | Jesus “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (1:3).
God says to Jesus: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” (1:13). Jesus is “seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven” (8:1). Jesus “sat down at the right hand of God, waiting . . . until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet” (10:12–13). Jesus is “seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:2). |
| “The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek’” (v. 4). | Jesus is “a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek” (5:6).
Jesus is “designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek” (5:10). Jesus has “become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (6:20). Jesus is a “priest . . . after the order of Melchizedek” (7:11). Jesus is a “priest [who] arises in the likeness of Melchizedek” (7:15). Jesus is “a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek” (7:17). Jesus was made a priest by this oath: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever’” (7:21). |
Redemptive History in the Book of Hebrews
Hebrews shows the contrast between the old covenant and the new covenant. In the old covenant, the law and its ceremonies were a shadow of the good things to come. They only reflected the reality of the “heavenly things” (depicted by arrows intruding into the old covenant). The inauguration of the new covenant is described as a change in priesthood and law that brings about a change in reality because of the cross. After the work of Christ in the new covenant, the heavenly reality (Mount Zion, the heavenly Jerusalem) not only intrudes into history but Christians actually participate in this new reality (arrows now go both ways) because the good things have come through Christ in his death, resurrection, and ascension. Christians live in a semi-heavenly age, whereas in the old covenant with its laws, rules, and regulations, people could not fully participate in the “heavenly things.” Although they participate in the heavenly reality now, in the age to come God’s people will fully realize their Sabbath rest.
Melchizedek
Melchizedek is among the most mysterious figures in Scripture. King of Salem, a city identified with Jerusalem, and “priest of God Most High,” Melchizedek’s name means “king of righteousness.” Following Abraham’s defeat of Chedorlaomer and his rescue of Lot, Melchizedek provided a meal of bread and wine for Abraham and his men. He then blessed Abraham, attributing Abraham’s victory over his enemies to God Most High. In response to Melchizedek’s blessing, Abraham gave the priest-king a tenth of everything he had. David mentions Melchizedek in the messianic Psalm 110, and the writer of Hebrews presents Melchizedek as a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ, who is both priest and king. (Genesis 14:18–20)
Heb. 11:1 assurance. Or “confidence” (3:14). hoped for. On hope, see 6:11, 18; 10:23. conviction of things not seen. Faith is a settled confidence that something in the future—something that God has promised—will actually happen because God will make it happen.
Heb. 11:39–40 commended through their faith. See vv. 2, 4–5. did not receive what was promised. These people of faith looked for a greater future hope (v. 16). In light of chs. 1–10, something better for us refers to the new covenant realities of the sovereign Son of God. made perfect. The perfection of believers is elsewhere the goal (compare 10:14; 12:23), accomplished through the work of the perfect Son of God (2:10; 5:9; 7:28). apart from us. OT believers and all believers since then share the same future perfection.
Fact: Faith
Even under the old covenant, faith was essential for a relationship with God. The OT saints believed God and obeyed him even though they did not see his promises fulfilled completely (ch. 11). Christians, however, have the amazing privilege of having seen God’s plan fulfilled in Christ.
Fact: Rahab
Rahab is a remarkable example of the fact that God can use whomever he chooses to accomplish his will (1 Cor. 1:26–31). Though a prostitute and a Gentile, Rahab is listed in the genealogy of Jesus (Matt. 1:5). She is remembered as a model of faith completed in works (James 2:25) and is listed among the heroes of faith in Hebrews 11.
Heb. 12:1 cloud of witnesses. The OT heroes of the faith in ch. 11. “Witnesses” may have a double meaning: (1) These OT heroes witnessed to their faith by their words and lives. (2) Like spectators watching an athletic contest in an arena, they may now be watching or “witnessing” believers’ lives. The imagery of being surrounded by these witnesses gives the sense that they are eagerly watching from heaven, and the image of running the race that is set before us might lead one further to think of an athletic race in a sports arena. However, nowhere else does the NT envisage saints in heaven watching saints on earth, nor does it ever encourage Christians to pray to these believers in heaven or to ask for their prayers. Christ prays for his people (Rom. 8:34; Heb. 7:25) and is the only mediator between them and God (1 Tim. 2:5). The Holy Spirit helps their prayers (Rom. 8:26–27), and all Christians are priests with the right of direct access to God (Heb. 4:16; 10:22; 1 Pet. 2:5, 9). Lay aside pictures sin as a weight to be discarded. Otherwise it limits the athlete’s movement, getting in the way of his progress in the race. let us run. A metaphor also found in Paul (1 Cor. 9:24–27; 2 Tim. 4:7–8).
Heb. 12:2 founder. See note on 2:10. perfecter. Christ’s perfection leads to the perfection of his people. This will be realized fully on the last day (see note on 11:39–40). for the joy that was set before him endured. The promise of future reward and joy gave Jesus strength to suffer on the cross. despising the shame. Crucifixion was performed in public. It caused hours of pain for the victim. The whole event was intended to cause shame, not just death (see note on Matt. 27:35). at the right hand. See Heb. 1:3, 13; 8:1; 10:12.
Psalm 110 in Hebrews
| Psalm 110 | Hebrews |
|---|---|
| “The LORD says to my Lord: ‘Sit at my right hand, until I make your enemies your footstool’” (v. 1). | Jesus “sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high” (1:3).
God says to Jesus: “Sit at my right hand until I make your enemies a footstool for your feet” (1:13). Jesus is “seated at the right hand of the throne of the Majesty in heaven” (8:1). Jesus “sat down at the right hand of God, waiting . . . until his enemies should be made a footstool for his feet” (10:12–13). Jesus is “seated at the right hand of the throne of God” (12:2). |
| “The LORD has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever after the order of Melchizedek’” (v. 4). | Jesus is “a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek” (5:6).
Jesus is “designated by God a high priest after the order of Melchizedek” (5:10). Jesus has “become a high priest forever after the order of Melchizedek” (6:20). Jesus is a “priest . . . after the order of Melchizedek” (7:11). Jesus is a “priest [who] arises in the likeness of Melchizedek” (7:15). Jesus is “a priest forever, after the order of Melchizedek” (7:17). Jesus was made a priest by this oath: “The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind, ‘You are a priest forever’” (7:21). |
Devotion
Long before a baby lay in a manger, the Christmas story was already unfolding. It’s part of a larger and greater story that goes back to the very beginning when God created the world. From that moment on, the Bible teaches us about people like Adam, Abraham, Joseph, Joshua, Ruth, David and Esther—They’re all intended to point us to one, grand, overarching Story! The story of God and his rescue plan for humanity.
God gives us these smaller stories to show us how much he loves us and help us see his plan to rescue us. In them, we see people who chose to obey God because they had faith in the promise of a future Savior. It was a promise they believed, even though their eyes couldn’t see it. As we read their stories, we get to look back with new eyes. We get to view these stories through a different lens. It’s the Holy Spirit who opens our eyes, illuminating God’s Word so we can recognize what was hidden in plain sight all along. We get to see who they are truly pointing us to: Jesus Christ. In every story of the Old Testament, Jesus is the answer to the question: “Do you see what I see?” See the ark that saved Noah (Genesis 6-10)? See the ram caught in the bushes that was sacrificed instead of Isaac (Genesis 22:13)? See the red cord hanging from Rahab’s window that saved her family from destruction (Joshua 2:18)? See the fourth person walking in the fiery furnace with Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego (Daniel 3:25)? Do you see what I see?
All of these stories invite us to see Jesus, the Savior of the world, who also came as a baby in that manger in Bethlehem. Christmas is a time to fix our eyes on Jesus, and look at the wonderful, beautiful, amazing story of His love for us, not just in the Gospels, but in the entirety of Scripture. Do you see what I see?
Questions
- In your own words, what is the overarching story of the Bible?
- What’s your favorite story in the Old Testament, and why’s it your favorite? Do you see where this story might point to Jesus?
Need a refresher on the overarching story of the Bible? Check out this previous episode of the Join The Journey podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/join-the-journey/id1600151923?i=1000679733964
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Tuesdays and Wednesdays
Monthly memory verse
For to us a child is born,
to us a son is given;
and the government shall be upon his shoulder,
and his name shall be called
Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God,
Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace.