Chapter 13 concludes the letter. Verses 1—14 are about the changelessness of Christ, verses 15-19 are about God-pleasing sacrifices, and verses 20—25 include a benediction. In todays section (v7—14), the Hebrews are instructed to love their church leaders (v7)—in fact, they are encouraged to “remember them” (v7) and to “imitate their faith” (v7). And, they are instructed to love Christ (v8—14).
This passage is rich with Old Testament references. The sacrifice in v11 is the Day of Atonement (Lev 16:27—28). Verses 12—13 refer to the red heifer sacrifice of Numbers 19 that was killed outside the camp. This was considered an unclean sacrifice which was worthy of reproach. After the burning, they were required to bath before coming back to camp. So, in this sense, the writer is encouraging readers to leave the "camp of Judaism" and suffer reproach with Christ.
Part of the purpose of the letter to the Hebrews was to guard against false teaching. This is seen in the passage as well in v8—9. The Hebrews are told to “not be carried away by varied and strange teachings.” The reason why is great—“Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” Christ is part of the eternal Trinity. His work at the cross was once and for all and never changes. Our hope is unchanging. This is great news!
Steve
The following guide is a resource for your personal time of abiding with the Lord and for your Community Group when you meet. It can also be used for times with family or friends around the table.
DISCOVER [ Hebrews 13:7-14 ]
WHAT is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that I/we learn?
(Use the questions to help make additional observations about the passage to clarify the main point)
17 Remember those who led you, who spoke the word of God to you; and considering the result of their conduct, imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be carried away by varied and strange teachings; for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, through which those who were so occupied were not benefited. 10 We have an altar from which those who serve the tabernacle have no right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the holy place by the high priest as an offering for sin, are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore Jesus also, that He might sanctify the people through His own blood, suffered outside the gate. 13 So, let us go out to Him outside the camp, bearing His reproach. 14 For here we do not have a lasting city, but we are seeking the city which is to come.
+ Whose faith is the Hebrews encouraged to imitate? Whose faith should you imitate? [v7]
+ What is important about the fact that Christ is the same yesterday, today, and tomorrow? How does this impact your salvation? [v8]
+ What were the Hebrews not to be carried away by? How does this apply to your life at this point in time, living in greater Annapolis? [v9]
+ For what reason did the Hebrews do their burnt offerings, in verse 11, outside the camp? [v11]
+ Through what did Jesus sanctify is people? How are you sanctified the same way? [v12]
+ For what reason should we meet Christ outside “the camp” in an unclean area? How does this impact your life—outside what camp is Christ calling you? [v13]
+ How would you sum-up the good news from this passage? [v8, 14]
HOW is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
(Below are a couple of ideas to help prompt responses if needed)
+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take?
+ How has it gone since last time?
WHO am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
(e.g., spend time with them, set-up an intentional time to share your story, begin a discovery study on the teachings of Jesus with them)
+ What is my next step?