Rev. Daniel E. Pilarczyk

The former covenant began in terror and threat and did not bring about a true meeting with God. The new involves a joyful encounter with Jesus.

If all that people see in Jesus’ miracles are quick cures, they are missing his point. Sometimes Jesus is not able to perform mighty deeds because the people to whom the deeds are addressed are unable to receive them.

God became a human being so that he could free us from our sinfulness. Through his suffering he was to make up for the sins of us all.

The author’s point is once more to call his readers to faithfulness. If our ancestors in faith could expend these efforts, we who are capable of attaining the fullness of the promise surely cannot be less faithful than they.

Abraham’s faithfulness made him willing to sacrifice his son, the foundation on which his future family rested. He is a hero of faith.

The addressees of this letter were Jewish converts to Christianity. Because of what they have had to endure, they find themselves homesick for their ancient Jewish religion and its practices.