The book of Hebrews references Old Testament scripture to make the case that Yeshua is the Messiah and a “cohen [priest] forever, to be compared to Malki-Tzedek [Melchizedek]” (Hebrews 5:6, Psalms 110:4). The Jewish people had priests who performed ceremonial duties and offered sacrifices according to laws given by God to Moses in the desert after leaving Egypt. The author of Hebrews introduces a new covenant in which Yeshua (Jesus) is the sacrifice for sin “once and for all, through the offering of Yeshua the Messiah’s body” (Hebrews 10:10). Yeshua died once, for all mankind. As mediator of the new covenant, Yeshua the Messiah is with God in heaven (Hebrews 12:24).
Hebrews is not just for Jews. Yeshua is our priest forever. He alone is the sacrifice for sin, thereby reconciling humanity to God. “There is salvation in no one else! For there is no other name under heaven given to mankind by whom we must be saved.” (Acts 4:12) No one. Every individual is responsible for their own spiritual well-being. No one can mediate our relationship with God except Jesus; not pastors, priests, televangelists, authors of devotionals or Christian books – not even me! That’s why it is so important to know God and his Son, for that is eternal life. As Jesus prayed: “And eternal life is this: to know you, the one true God, and him whom you sent, Yeshua the Messiah.” (John 17:3)
Anyone can truly know God through his Word. “…you have known the Holy Scriptures, which can give you the wisdom that leads to deliverance through trusting in Yeshua the Messiah. All Scripture is God-breathed and is valuable for teaching the truth, convicting of sin, correcting faults and training in right living; thus anyone who belongs to God may be fully equipped for every good work.” (II Timothy 3:15-17)
My prayer is that you will be spurred on to love God, his Son, his Word and each other. He is our only hope. God’s Word speaks for itself and can lead to righteous living and eternal life. “Yes, we have the prophetic Word made very certain. You will do well to pay attention to it as to a light shining in a dark, murky place, until the Day dawns and the Morning Star rises in your hearts.” (II Peter 1:19)
“…open their eyes; so that they will turn from darkness to light, from the power of the Adversary to God, and thus receive forgiveness of sins and a place among those who have been separated for holiness by putting their trust in me [Yeshua].” (Acts 26:18)
“May God, the source of hope, fill you completely with joy and shalom as you continue trusting, so that by the power of the Ruach HaKodesh [Holy Spirit] you may overflow with hope.” (Romans 15:13)
*All scripture is from the Complete Jewish Bible unless noted otherwise