Denver Seminary

In Hebrews 4:14 the author urges: “Let us hold firmly to the faith we profess.” Apparently, the author suspected that some of his readers were contemplating abandoning the faith.

What might motivate them to loosen their grip on their Christian faith? Other places in the epistle suggest such things as:

• Taunts and ridiculing from their neighbors
• Confiscation of their property
• Outright physical harm
• Ostracism from community activities.

So when they cast their lot in with Christ, their world changed. But it didn’t all change for the better. Now the question became: is it worth it to stay on the Christian path—to continue following Jesus when the costs mount?

And that’s the question that always confronts followers of Christ. What might be the costs of following Jesus in today’s world?

• Financial
• Social
• Job security
• Popularity
• Discrimination
• Time commitments

So, are the benefits of following Christ worth the costs? Notice how the writer of Hebrews answers that question in this section.

First: we have a high priest in heaven who is none other than the Divine High Priest himself: the son of God (4:14).

Second, though he may be deity, Jesus can empathize with all we’re going through, since he himself faced every human temptation (4:15). Jesus learned how to obey God through the hardships that he faced (5:8).

The writer makes a third point: Jesus, this heavenly high priest is merciful and gracious, and he will provide all the help anyone might need, even when the going is tough (4:16).

Jesus promises mercy and help—if we will come to him on his terms, not ours. When times are tough, we need to hang in there with Jesus. Is there a better place to be?