Stop Groaning, Start Growing:A Study of Trust and Authority in Hebrews 13
- Thad DeBuhr
- 4 days ago
- 9 min read
Hebrews Chapter 13, verses 17 through 19.
The Main Message: We should willingly and joyfully follow our spiritual leaders because their job is to care for our souls, and our submission makes their difficult work a joy, not a burden. This is based on a biblical model of leadership that is not about power or position, but about shepherding and character.
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What Kind of follower are you?
Welcome to YourJesusJourney.com! Take a moment to think back over the last year. Five years. Ten. How easy have you been to lead? When it comes to your spiritual life, are you teachable? Are you coachable? Do you willingly follow the guidance of those God has placed in your life to help you grow? This passage in Hebrews challenges us to examine our posture toward spiritual leadership. It's a call to look inward, reflect on our past, and consider how our willingness to be led impacts not only our own journey but also the joy and effectiveness of our leaders.
Before moving on, pause and read through Hebrews chapter 13, verses 17 through 19 in a couple of different translations.
Choose two from this selection: NIV, NLT, ESV, NASB, NKJV
A Word on Spiritual Leadership
Before we get into the heart of this passage, we have to talk about spiritual leadership. In today’s world, words like "Leader," "Pastor," "Senior Pastor," and "Elder" all carry different meanings. Our understanding of these titles is often shaped by our personal experiences—for better or worse. But the truth is, what the author of Hebrews had in mind was very different from what we might imagine.
The spiritual leaders the author is talking about were not paid staff members or a modern-day CEO-like senior pastor. They were elders or overseers (ἐπίσκοποι, episkopoi), men set apart for the spiritual well-being of their communities. The role of elder in the early church was reserved for men and has been a male role throughout all of church history. This is based on specific qualifications outlined in passages like 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, which clearly state that the role is for a man ("husband of one wife," "his own children"). Their role was a far cry from a board member, financial manager, or building supervisor. The authority of an elder in the early church was rooted not in a formal position of power but in their proven character and godly influence.
The biblical role of an elder is focused on shepherding the flock, not dictating or bossing them around. They were chosen based on specific qualifications outlined in passages like 1 Timothy 3 and Titus 1, which emphasize personal integrity, self-control, and the ability to teach. They were models of faith, trusted to care for and guide the community. This is a key difference from many modern leadership models, where the focus can sometimes shift from spiritual care to administrative duties, power dynamics, or the "business" of the church.
It is crucial to consider this distinction before we tackle the instructions in Hebrews. If we misunderstand what a true spiritual leader is and what their role is, it can greatly impact our attitude and willingness to obey, be coached, or be corrected by them. A leader whose authority comes from their character and their commitment to spiritual care is much easier to trust than one whose authority is simply a title on a nameplate.
Setting the Scene
The Book of Hebrews is a powerful and complex work, arguing for the superiority of Jesus over everything that came before him—the Old Covenant, the sacrificial system, and the Levitical priesthood. After building this theological foundation, the author shifts to practical instructions. This move from theology to practice is a common pattern in New Testament letters and is crucial for understanding the author's intent. The message is clear: great theology must lead to changed lives.
The original recipients of this letter were Jewish Christians in Rome facing significant pressure. The Roman Empire, generally tolerant of Judaism, was becoming increasingly hostile toward Christianity. They were at a crossroads: remain faithful and risk persecution, or return to the perceived safety and familiarity of Judaism. The author's appeal is deeply personal and pastoral, aimed at strengthening their resolve and reinforcing their identity as part of a new, heavenly community.
The leaders (ἡγούμενοι, hēgoumenoi) mentioned in verse 17 are not a formal, institutional clergy as we might think of today. These were likely the founding members or pioneers of the community, revered for their faithfulness and their role in bringing the gospel to this group. The author mentions in verse 7 that some of these original leaders had already passed away, a reminder of their enduring legacy and the importance of following their example. Their authority was not a power grab but a function of their proven character and service. They were shepherds, not managers.
Did you miss the study on Hebrews 13:7 and honoring leaders? See it HERE.
The command to "obey and submit" (πείθεσθε and ὑπείκετε, peithō and hypeikō) is vital to grasp. In a Greco-Roman culture that valued social hierarchy, these words would have been understood in a particular way. However, as scholar Craig S. Keener points out, the Greek word peithō for "obey" has a nuance of being persuaded or trusting, not simply following a command. It is the same word used to describe believing in God. The word for "submit," hypeikō, suggests a voluntary yielding or a conscious choice to align with guidance, not a forced servitude. This paints a picture of a relational submission based on trust and a shared vision, a far cry from blind obedience.
The Journey of Trust and Shared Responsibility
The author provides two compelling reasons for this submission, both of which would have resonated deeply with the original audience.
1. The Weight of Spiritual Accountability: The leaders are "watching over your souls as those who must give an account." This is a profound statement about the weight of spiritual leadership. In the ancient world, a shepherd's responsibility for their flock was a matter of life and death. The author uses this imagery to convey the seriousness of the leader's role. They are not merely tending to the group's practical needs but are responsible for their eternal well-being. The phrase "must give an account" (ἀποδώσοντες λόγον, apodōsontes logon) suggests a future reckoning before God. This would have underscored the gravity of their task and the high stakes involved.
2. The Shared Burden of Joy and Groaning: The second reason for submission is deeply personal and communal: so that the leaders may do their work "with joy and not with groaning." This is a powerful, almost transactional plea. The author is suggesting that the actions of the followers directly impact the emotional and spiritual state of their leaders. A rebellious or disobedient congregation makes the leader's work a burden, filled with "groaning." The Greek word for "groaning" (stenazontes) can also mean sighing or grieving, suggesting a deep sense of sorrow and frustration. Conversely, a community that trusts and submits to its leaders brings them joy. This joy is not a feeling of being in control but the deep satisfaction of seeing God's people flourish under their care. As Brad Gray of Walkingthetext.com emphasizes, the leader's joy is derived from the flock's health, not from a position of power.
The passage concludes with a personal plea for prayer, a final act of vulnerability and trust. The author asks the community to pray for them, confident in their own integrity ("we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things"). This shows that leadership is not a one-way street; it's a mutual relationship built on prayer, trust, and shared purpose.
BE SURE TO WATCH THE VIDEO PODCAST THAT GOES DEEPER INTO THIS SECTION OF HEBREWS
See viewer comments and questions on screen at the end of the podcast.
Questions for you to chew on & discuss
How does the cultural context of Greco-Roman leadership, which often emphasized a top-down, command-and-control structure, make the author's call for a trust-based relationship even more radical and counter-cultural?
The passage emphasizes that leaders must "give an account." How does this accountability to God change our view of leadership roles in the church today? What does this imply about both the responsibility of leaders and the respect owed by followers?
The idea of making a leader's job a "joyful" one challenges modern individualism. In what practical ways can you, in your own life, contribute to the joy of those who are in leadership roles over you (e.g., pastors, mentors, small group leaders)?
Journey Group Discussion Starter:
This passage challenges the modern emphasis on hyper-individualism. Read Hebrews 13:7 alongside verse 17. How do the two verses work together to create a full picture of spiritual leadership? Discuss a time when you experienced the positive impact of a relationship of mutual trust and respect with a spiritual leader.
Applying This Today
For the modern reader, Hebrews chapter 13, verses 17 through 19 is a call to re-examine our relationship with spiritual authority.
Reframe Your View of Leadership: See your leaders not as service providers but as spiritual guardians. Their role is not to simply facilitate or teach but to watch over your soul. This reframing should inspire both respect and a willingness to listen.
Scenario: Imagine you join a new small group. Instead of seeing the leader as simply the facilitator for a discussion, view them as the shepherd of the group. Actively seek their counsel on a personal struggle, trusting their wisdom and their care for your spiritual well-being.
Actively Partner with Your Leaders: You are a crucial part of your leader's success and joy. Support them through prayer, encouragement, and by living out the faith they model and teach. Your faithfulness is a testament to their work.
Scenario: Your pastor or small group leader sends out a weekly email with prayer requests. Instead of just reading it, set a reminder to pray for them specifically. After a particularly good sermon or teaching, send a quick text or email to let them know how it impacted you. This simple act of encouragement can be a huge source of joy and strength.
Embrace Mutual Responsibility: This passage isn't just for church members. It's for everyone. In any leadership structure—be it a family, a business, or a sports team—the dynamic of respect and submission leads to a more joyful and productive environment for all involved.
Scenario: You’re in a Bible study and you disagree with a point your leader makes. Instead of openly challenging them in a way that creates discord or a "groaning" atmosphere, talk with them privately afterward. This shows respect for their position while still allowing for honest, thoughtful conversation.
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