We have no confidence in ourselves or our heritage. Jesus is superior to everything else.
John Chrysostom writes,
“He (Jesus) says there are “three” rests: One, that of the sabbath, in which God rested from works; the second, that of Palestine, in which, when the Jews entered, they would be at rest from their hardships and labors; the third, that which is rest indeed, the Kingdom of Heaven, where those who obtain it do indeed rest from their labors and troubles” (Chrysostom, On the Epistle to the Hebrews 6.1).
While the different perspectives and understandings of rest would make for interesting content (like how God works and then rests, the Jewish understanding of resting so one can work, and our understanding that rest is something we do), I am going to suggest you bypass the temptation to camp out there too long and make an eschatological beeline to Jesus with this text.
The first ten chapters of Hebrews are roughly a multi-pronged argument for the superiority of Jesus. Chapter 2 laid out the case for Jesus’ superiority over the angels. Chapter 3 lays out the case for Jesus’ superiority over Moses. This week, in Chapter 4, the rest Joshua provided was only temporary and a foreshadows of the “real rest.” Although they entered the Promised Land and were relieved of hardships and labors, this was not ultimately God’s goal for His people. So, if the hearers were considering falling back on their genealogical heritage in Moses, David, or Joshua, the author tells them to think again! That rest was only temporary and incomplete. So do not fall into the same kind of unbelief, hardness of heart, and disobedience.
Instead, let us strive to enter the ultimate eschatological rest. Let us hold fast to our confession. Imitations will not do! What an opportunity we have to proclaim a real death for real sinners and a real resurrection for real saints. Think about this in light of baptism. The Scriptures affirm how Baptism unites us to Christ. It is only in Christ that we find our true ultimate eschatological rest. Our Baptism is where sinners go to actually die. It is in the washing of water with the Word that saints are raised to new life; now, in part, but fully on the Last Day. On that Last Day we will receive rest from sin, death, and the Devil, which currently afflict us. Soon enough, the Last Day will be today. There will not be another day later on.
It is only in Christ that we find our true ultimate eschatological rest.
Sermon Structure
You might consider a “Four Pages of the Sermon” structure here. A summary outline for this form of sermon organization which would have to be fleshed out more as you pray, write, talk with people, and contemplate during the week could be:
- Trouble in the Text: The ancient Israelites trusted in things like Moses, Joshua, the Promised Land, and the Law; yet still lived in a consistent cycle of rebellion which none of them could ever fulfill.
- Trouble in the World: We also live in constant rebellion and the temptation to not rest in the promises of God.
- Grace in the Text: Verses 14-16; the longer reading
- Grace in the World: Jesus understands our need for grace, the most basic of which is His death and resurrection for you.
Christ in the Text
Do not miss out on the longer reading for this pericope, that is where you will find the pure Gospel. This sinful broken world afflicts and breaks people, but we have a high priest, Jesus. We have no confidence in ourselves or our heritage. Jesus is superior to everything else. Like the Apostle Peter said, “Lord, to whom shall we go? You have the words of eternal life!” (John 6:68) It is only to Christ that we can go to receive mercy and grace.
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Additional Resources:
Craft of Preaching-Check out 1517’s resources on Hebrews 4:1-13 (14-16).
Concordia Theology-Various helps from Concordia Seminary in St. Louis, MO to assist you preaching Hebrews 4:1-13 (14-16).
Text Week-A treasury of resources from various traditions to help you preach Hebrews 4:1-13 (14-16).
Lectionary Kick-Start-Check out this fantastic podcast from Craft of Preaching authors Peter Nafzger and David Schmitt as they dig into the texts for this Sunday!
Lectionary Podcast- Dr. Arthur Just of Concordia Theological Seminary in Ft. Wayne, IN walks us through Hebrews 4:1-13 (14-16).
