Though the writer of the book of Hebrews is not clear, the message is precise and clear; Christ's sacrifice for us is the fulfilment of the promise God made to save mankind. The book of Hebrews though addressed to a Jewish audience who were facing persecution now that they were Christians and so they were considering reverting back to Judaism. The message was simple; Jesus is greater than every promise the Old testament delivered to the people through angels. It greater than the promise delivered through Moses, Joshua, Aaron and Abraham.
While it is likely that the writer of the book of Hebrews heard the words of Jesus from the other apostles who heard him directly (Hebrews 2:3).
The book of Hebrews was written to believers during the period when the emperors from Nero and on to Titus, were persecuting and killing Christians. Jew who practised Judaism were favoured over Christians, believers who had converted from Judaism to Christianity were considering going back to Judaism so that they could escape persecution (Hebrews 12:2-4).
In chapter one, we see that Jesus, the Son, radiates and expresses the glory and character of God. "The Son radiates God's own glory and expresses the very character of God, and he sustains everything by the mighty power of his command. When he had cleansed us from our sins, he sat down in the place of honour at the right hand of the majestic God in heaven." Hebrews 1:3 NLT. Outside Jesus, you cannot see or know the Father.
Secondly, the Son is the one who holds everything in the universe together and they are sustained by him.
Jesus was the one who gave them rest instead of Joshua. He is the high priest that we need because unlike Aaron, he is the perfect high priest.
So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.
Hebrews 4:14-16 NLT.
Thank you Father for giving us Jesus. Halleluyah!
