Relevant Biblical Passages: Hebrews 11-13
Jesus and the Future. The book of Hebrews closes with clear pointers to a future hope. Indeed, the warnings and encouragements sprinkled throughout the book are all shaped by that hope of reunion with God and our Lord Jesus Christ. The following passages are particularly clear:
| Hebrews 10:23-25 | Worshiping together to keep the hope alive. The author of Hebrews almost turns into a good sociologist when he urges the believers to “not neglect the assembling of yourselves together.” Meeting with fellow believers is a crucial factor in keeping the hope alive. |
| Hebrews 11:10 | Looking for a city. Apparently the author of Hebrews is updating the patriarchal narratives, for there is no evidence in the Genesis stories that Abraham was looking for a city. The common ground, however, is the forward look, the future hope. |
| Hebrews 11:16 | A better country. Abraham’s hopes and dreams were left unfulfilled, but he lived in hope. That is an even more urgent matter for the Christian. This world is not our home. |
| Hebrews 11:35 | A better resurrection. A sprinkling of resurrections are scattered throughout both Testaments. But the real resurrection, the one that lasts, is the one for which God’s people are hoping and waiting. |
| Hebrews 11:39-40 | They would not be made perfect without us. The book of Hebrews developments an interesting “communal” argument when he declares that many of the faithful died and have been left in their graves so that all God’s people will be able to come into God’s presence at once. |
Discussion question: What aspect of the future hope is most important for us today? Are the particulars of our hope somewhat different, yet still the same? Does one really have to look for a city, or is a better “place” the most important thing?
