New Testament
Hebrews
A sermon for people thinking about giving up.
Sermon / Letter · 13 chapters · About 45 minutes
Author unknown, c. AD 60s
Overview
Nobody knows who wrote Hebrews. What is clear is that it was written to exhausted believers under pressure, tempted to return to something safer.
The argument is cumulative: better than angels, better than Moses, a better priest, a better sacrifice, a better covenant. Nothing behind you is worth going back for.
Chapter eleven then parades the faithful — most of whom did not receive what was promised — and chapter twelve tells you to run anyway.
What it keeps returning to
Better
The word runs through the book like a refrain.
Access
The curtain is torn; you may come with confidence.
Endurance
Faith here is less a feeling than a refusal to stop walking.
Start here
Hebrews 4:14–16
A high priest who sympathises with weakness.
Hebrews 11
The long roll of those who trusted without seeing.
Hebrews 12:1–3
Run with endurance, looking to Jesus.
Go deeper in Hebrews
“Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.”