7th March 2025
Joined by faith
Part of a series of studies about shadows in scripture
In the past God spoke to our ancestors through the prophets at many times and in various ways, but in these last days he has spoken to us by his Son, whom he appointed heir of all things, and through whom also he made the universe.
Hebrews 1:1-2 (NIV)
We acknowledge that there are shadows of Jesus throughout the Old Testament. He is seen through kings, a shepherd, prophets, priests, a warrior, a leader, a provider, a protector, a sacrifice, and a son. Images from the Old Testament are given new meaning: the mountain, the altar, the tabernacle and the temple with the Holy of Holies, the Sabbath, the blood of sacrifices, covenants, the law and many more.
The New Testament is not silent in drawing out these many parallels. Its writers clearly recognised their Saviour in the scriptures their ancestors had so carefully preserved. And there is none among those writers more clear about these pictures than the writer of Hebrews. Throughout the book these parallels are drawn out and it is emphasised that Jesus himself is revealed as a better image, a better high priest, a better Moses, the architect of a better covenant, a better sacrifice, a better tabernacle.
The author of this New Testament book – often seen as the text of at least one sermon – takes us through this catalogue of characters and the trappings of commanded religious practice that they maintained, and then draws out a common thread; it is a thread that unites the New Testament Christians, suffering persecution at the hands of the Romans, and those figures they knew so well from the Old Testament scriptures. The writer articulates this thread as faith and speaks of these historical characters as ‘witnesses’ who suffered persecution despite still waiting for that ultimate salvation in Christ. They did it ‘by faith’ which is explained as, ‘…being sure of what we hope for, being convinced of what we do not see.’ (Hebrews 11:1 NET). The subject of faith occupies the entirety of Chapter 11. And the conclusion? ‘…since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles. And let us run with perseverance the race marked out for us, fixing our eyes on Jesus…’ (Hebrews 12:1-2 NIV).
The author of Hebrews shares with his audience the amazing power of those Old Testament scriptures which might, if we are not careful, be consigned to irrelevant history. They are alive, instructive, and encouraging when seen through the lens of Jesus Christ.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank you that in Jesus we have ‘a merciful and faithful high priest’ who has made ‘atonement for the sins of the people’. Thank you that he is able ‘to help those who are being tempted’. Let us ‘fix our thoughts on Jesus’, our High Priest, our king, your Son. Amen.
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Study by: Maggie Mitchell About the author: |
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Local congregation:
GCI Market Harborough
9 The Point
Rockingham Road
Market Harborough
LE16 7QU
Meeting time:
Sunday 4.00 pm
Local congregational contact:
Sinead Henderson
Email: sinead.henderson@gracecom.church
Word of Life contact:
wordoflife@gracecom.church