Hebrews: Your Big Picture Guide to Faith That Lasts
- Thad DeBuhr
- Jul 28
- 9 min read
You ever start a job, get really excited, and then a few months in, the grind starts? Maybe the boss is tougher than you thought, the hours are longer, or the pay isn't as great as you hoped. You start thinking, "Man, maybe I should just go back to my old gig. At least I knew what I was doing there."
That's pretty much what was happening with the folks who first got the letter of Hebrews. They were like you, working hard, trying to do the right thing. But they were tired, beaten down, and seriously thinking about going back to their "old gig"—their old way of life and religion.
This study guide is going to give you the straight scoop on Hebrews: the big problem they faced, the even bigger answer God gave them, and the direction we can all take from it. No fancy words, just plain talk for real people.
BE SURE TO WATCH THE VIDEO PODCAST THAT GOES DEEPER INTO THE INTRO TO HEBREWS
The Big Problem: Why Were They Tempted to Quit?
Imagine a crew of hardworking folks who just signed up for a new project. They were pumped! They heard about this amazing new boss, Jesus, and how His way of doing things was better than anything they'd ever known. They jumped in, gave their lives to Him, and started following His lead.
But then, the pressure started.
Life Got Rough: Think about working a demanding job. Sometimes, you face opposition. For these early Christians, the opposition wasn't just a tough supervisor; it was real persecution. People were losing their jobs, their homes, and even their lives because they believed in Jesus. It's like facing constant layoffs, threats from management, and seeing your buddies get fired just for showing up. It makes you wonder if it's all worth it.
Ray Vander Laan's Insight: Ray often talks about the "cost of discipleship" in the ancient world. Following Jesus wasn't just a Sunday thing; it changed everything about your life, often putting you at odds with your family, community, and even the government. It was a high-stakes decision.
Learn More about Ray Vander Laan and his amazing ministry:
The Picture: Remember the image of those early Christians, some looking defeated, some ready to throw in the towel, while others are trying to hang on? That's the real pressure they were under. It wasn't easy to stick with Jesus.
The "Old Ways" Looked Comfortable: Humans are creatures of habit. These folks grew up with the Old Testament laws, the temple, the priests, the sacrifices—a whole system they understood. It was like their old, reliable toolbox. This new "Jesus way" was different. It didn't have a physical temple, or daily sacrifices you could see. It felt less tangible, less "real" to some.
N.T. Wright's Angle: Wright emphasizes that they weren't just ditching Jesus for nothing; they were considering returning to something deeply familiar, something that had been a core part of their identity for generations. It was their heritage, their culture, their religion. It felt safe, even if it wasn't the best.
Learn more about NT Wright and his teaching ministry
The Picture: Think about the couple holding the blueprint even after the dream house is built. That's a bit like these folks. They had the blueprint (the Old Testament system), and now the actual house (Jesus) was here. But the blueprint was familiar and comforting, and the house was new and scary with all the persecution.
They Were Drifting: Sometimes, you don't even realize you're letting go. You just slowly drift away. Maybe you start missing a few shifts, then more, then you just stop showing up. The writer of Hebrews saw this happening. He wasn't just worried about a sudden rebellion; he was worried about a slow fade, a gradual loss of focus.
The Big Problem: They were tired, scared, and tempted to go back to what felt familiar and safe, even if it meant abandoning the best thing that ever happened to them.
The Big Answer in Hebrews: Jesus is BETTER!
This is where the writer of Hebrews steps in, practically yelling, "HOLD ON! Don't you dare quit! You've got to see this!" His main message, plain and simple, is: JESUS IS BETTER.
He uses everything they knew and valued from their old ways and shows how Jesus blows it all out of the water.
Jesus is Better Than Angels: In the Old Testament, angels were seen as powerful messengers, almost divine. But Jesus? He's God's Son. He's the exact imprint of God, not just a messenger. He's way above any angel.
Think about it: You wouldn't trade a personal meeting with the CEO for a memo from a delivery guy, right? Jesus is the CEO.
Jesus is Better Than Moses: Moses was a legend! He led their ancestors out of slavery, gave them God's rules, and spoke directly with God. He was the ultimate leader. But the writer says Moses was a faithful servant in God's house, while Jesus is the Son who owns and runs the whole house.
Think about it: Moses built the factory, but Jesus is the owner-operator who made it all possible and is in charge of everything.
Jesus is a Better Priest and a Better Sacrifice: This is huge! In the old system, priests had to offer sacrifices for sins, day after day, year after year. It was never finished work, like constantly fixing the same old leaky pipe. On top of that, the priests were far from perfect, and they had to offer sacrifices to pay for their own sins on top of what they offered for others! Jesus, on the other hand, is a new kind of High Priest. He offered Himself as the ultimate sacrifice, once and for all.
Craig Keener's Point: Keener highlights that this "once and for all" aspect is critical. It means the job is done, complete. No more need for endless rituals or animal sacrifices.
Learn More about Craig Keener and his ministry:
The Picture: The Old Testament pointed to Him, the sacrifices pointed to Him, the priests pointed to Him. He's the finish line, the ultimate goal, the complete solution.
The Big Answer: Jesus isn't just another good option; He's the only perfect, complete, and final answer. Everything else was a shadow or a blueprint. He's the real deal, the solid foundation, the finished product.
The Big Direction: Don't Look Back, Keep Going!
So, what does this mean for us, working hard, facing our own pressures today? The message of Hebrews isn't just about ancient history; it's a powerful kick in the pants and a warm embrace for us right now.
Don't Drift! Pay Attention! Just like a boat can slowly drift away from the dock if it's not tied down, we can drift away from our faith if we're not paying attention. The writer says, "We must pay more careful attention, therefore, to what we have heard, so that we do not drift away." (Hebrews 2:1)
Your takeaway: Stay connected. Keep learning. Don't let the little things pull you away from the big truth. It's like checking your tools and equipment daily to make sure nothing's getting loose or rusty.
Hold On Tight to Your Hope! You've got an anchor! In tough times, you need something solid to hold onto. The writer says Jesus has gone into God's presence for us, "an anchor for the soul, firm and secure." (Hebrews 6:19)
Your takeaway: When life gets stormy, remember you're not adrift. Jesus is your anchor. No matter how bad it gets, He holds you steady.
The Picture: Have you ever seen paintings that show Jesus standing calm in the stormy sea? The author of Hebrews describes him as an anchor that holds us firm in the hope that we have.
Keep Your Eyes on Jesus! He's the ultimate example. He faced unimaginable suffering, but He kept His eyes on the prize – bringing us to God. He endured the cross, despising its shame, because of the joy that was set before Him. (Hebrews 12:2-3)
Your takeaway: When you're tired, when you're frustrated, when you're ready to throw in the towel, look at Jesus. He's been through worse, and He made it. He understands, and He'll help you finish strong.
The Big Direction: Don't let the temporary struggles distract you from the eternal solution. Jesus is the complete answer, the unshakeable foundation. Stick with Him, because He's got you, and He's leading you to something truly amazing.
This letter of Hebrews is a powerful reminder that while the going might get tough, we have the best boss, the perfect high priest, and the most secure anchor in Jesus. Don't quit. Keep going. He's worth it.
Want to watch the video version of the Daily Bible Podcast Episode that corresponds to this study guide? Here you go!
RESOURCES TO HELP YOU GROW AS A CHRISTIAN
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EXCITING DREAMS TAKING SHAPE
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As full-time traveling missionaries and founders of YourJesusJourney.com, we live on a modest income, relying on the generosity of others to support our three-fold ministry vision: helping people understand the Bible in context, finding Christian friends, and equipping disciple makers. So, you might be wondering, how are we able to pursue something this ambitious? About a year and a half ago, Kaila’s beloved dad passed away. With his passing, Kaila inherited their expansive family home and horse property on the breathtaking North Shore of Lake Superior, in beautiful Ontario—the place she grew up, where she rode her first bike and horse, and learned to drive. After much prayer and seeking God’s guidance, we decided to sell the property. What you see here came as a result of that incredible blessing, and all the work unfolding in the next year or two will also be funded by it.
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