Hebrews 13:1-6 Living LIke Jesus Is Better

This Sunday, we come to the book of Hebrews’ thematic climax. The author draws together all the book’s theological truths and reminds the Hebrew Christians of the glorious reality Jesus has imparted to them. They are suffering and persecuted. They are wavering in faith and being tempted to go back to their old lives. So, the author shows them (and us) how to “lift your drooping hands and strengthen your weak knees, 13 and make straight paths for your feet,” (v. 12-13). We must firmly believe in where we stand to run this race with endurance. To show this in verses 18-29, the author tells these Hebrews where they “have not come” and where they “have come.” To illustrate their position in Christ, the author shows two ways to come to God, pictured in two mountains. Mount Sinai was a mountain of fear and dread as God’s terrifyingly holy presence thundered upon it. The other is Mount Zion, characterized by joy and peace, with a mediator whose blood speaks peace and atonement rather than justice. The author of Hebrews reminds the reader to which mountain they have come. In Christ, they have already come to Zion, the picture of God’s perfect salvation throughout the Old Testament. By remembering where they stand, the readers are encouraged to offer God praise and thanksgiving, even amid their trials. Because they already occupy Mount Zion, their future glorification is sure. Quoting Haggai 2, he says, “At that time his voice shook the earth, but now he has promised, “Yet once more I will shake not only the earth but also the heavens.” (v. 26). Since the world and all its tempting comforts are passing away, it is foolish to hold onto what is “shaken” and forsake the true kingdom that remains forever. Refusing to follow Christ to gain relief from our worldly suffering is not worth the cost. All the things of this life are temporary. Yet, like Esau (v. 16), the temptation to trade our birthright for temporary satisfaction is a continual snare for us. Therefore, we are warned, “25 See that you do not refuse him who is speaking. For if they did not escape when they refused him who warned them on earth, much less will we escape if we reject him who warns from heaven.”
I. Remember Where You Are Standing (v. 18-24)
II. Remember Where You Are Heading (v. 25-27)
III. Remember Where Your Treasure is (v. 28-29)
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