Exploring the Scripture

Hebrews 4 introduces a primary theme: Christ, the High Priest of God. For the next four Sundays, the lectionary focus will develop this idea. We will explore different facets of High Priest ministry and how Christ transforms the role of an earthly high priest into the divine salvation of God’s High Priest.

Here’s a summary of the emphases for the next few Sundays:

• Hebrews 4: 12–16 Introduction of Christ as the High Priest of God
• Hebrews 5:1–10 A High Priest after the order of Melchisedec
• Hebrews 7:23–28 As High Priest, Jesus makes intercession for us
• Hebrews 9:11–14 Jesus, both High Priest and supreme sacrifice
• Hebrews 9:24–28 Jesus sacrifices for all

Our exploration of Christ’s high priest ministry begins by proclaiming our sinful state and need for redemption. The Word of God comforts and convicts. It is “living and active,” an affirmation that God’s word (revelation) continues in the present age (v. 12).

Like a double-edged sword, it wounds those who are enemies and wounds those who wield the sword as a weapon. It divides one’s soul (the union of body, mind, and spirit) from the spirit, which gives the union life and connects one to God. It divides the joints (the external levers of one’s arms and legs) from the bone marrow that gives the joints life and nurture.

Both metaphors point to how God’s word sets up law and affirms the covenant, which is at the heart (marrow) of our relationship with the Divine. God’s presence and word reveal our innermost being, exposing our brokenness and affirming our worth. Nothing is hidden from an all-seeing God who calls us to accountability.

God’s word to us is both grace and judgment. Our words to God must be words of thanks and confession. Hebrews says we must “hold fast to our confession,” completely vulnerable, naked, with our throats laid bare to the double-edged sword (v. 14). It’s an image drawn from gladiator contests.

We must not waver in being honest about our errors before God. Jesus understands what it is like to be a vulnerable human, experience weaknesses, and be tempted. Hebrews affirms he withstood those tests and was sinless. With Jesus as our high priest, we can approach God’s judgment “with boldness,” assured of divine grace and mercy (v. 16). Because of Christ, the Great High Priest, God’s grace judges us, and God’s judgment is filled with grace. 

The written word of scripture came into being through human efforts to record and capture God’s revelatory presence. Scripture is, therefore, limited to the time, place, and filter of the author who recorded it—yet it transcends time and culture to speak anew to disciples of all generations. God’s word in scripture forms the foundation of our preaching, teaching, sacraments, hymns, and prayers. God’s word points us toward, and is part of, our spiritual practices and discernment. God’s word and Christ as the Living Word nourish our souls, lead into new paths of life as disciples, and draw us into God’s grace in our time of need.

Project Zion Podcast

Hosts Karin Peter and Blake Smith consider how this week's scripture connects to our lives today.

LISTEN

Central Ideas

1. Christ transforms the role of an earthly high priest into the divine salvation of God’s High Priest.
2. The Word of God comforts and convicts, bringing both grace and judgment.
3. Because of the great high priest Christ’s intercession, God’s grace judges us, and God’s judgment is filled with grace.
4. God’s word and Christ as the Living Word nourish our souls, strengthen life as a disciple, and draw us into God’s grace. 

Questions to Consider

1. What would be the modern equivalent of the ancient role of the high priest? What image would you use to explain Christ’s role concerning God and humans?
2. When did a moment of grace also judge and convict you in your humanness?
3. How has scripture been divisive in the Body of Christ? When did you feel like it divided your spirit from your soul?
4. When have you felt convicted by God’s word? When have you felt forgiveness and grace through scripture?
5. Compare the theology of scripture in Hebrews with the Statement on Scripture in Community of Christ.