Hebrews 4:11-16
As we read Peter’s letters, we found him very different from Paul. Now as we read Hebrews, I find this writer different from both Peter and Paul. In particular, verse 14 threw me for a loop: Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession. I was wondering, where does that come from? The author first compared Jesus with angels, then with Moses, and now he is headed to an extended discussion comparing Jesus with the Old Testament high priests. But his transition in verse 14 seemed to come out of nowhere. Then I looked back earlier in the letter: Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession, who was faithful to Him who appointed Him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house. (vv. 3:1-2) In today’s verse 14 the author is referring back to the beginning of the previous chapter where he introduces Jesus as the high priest of our confession. That is, the entire discussion of chapters 3 and 4 has been a “Moses and resting” interlude between introducing Jesus as our high priest and then comparing Him to the Old Testament high priests.
For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. (v. 12a) The use of “the word” in Christian circles can be quite confusing. Jesus is referred to as “the Word” in the first 18 verses of John’s gospel, so He is often referred to as “the Word”. I’ve seen people hold up the Bible and claim it as “the word”, as in “Did you bring your copy of the word with you?”. I’ve heard preachers ask, “Does anyone have a word from the Lord?”, yet another application. Initially it sounds like the writer of Hebrews means the spoken word – the Gospel, the good news, the salvation message – which is, in fact, able to pierce one’s heart at the deepest level. But then the next verse says And no creature is hidden from His sight… (v. 13a), clearly implying Jesus as “the Word”. So, substituting, “…Jesus is living and active, … discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.”? I don’t have any problem with that statement! That’s the work of His Holy Spirit!
Slava Bohu!
Thanks, Fred. That is a helpful clarification of the word of God in v. 12.
I was struck by v. 13 about our being laid bare, but in v. 16, that we can approach God with boldness (bold assurance, trusting but reverently) to receive mercy and grace, through Christ. What a promise!