The Letter to the Hebrews

The lectionary this month gives us passages from the Letter to the Hebrews. Its authorship, audience, and even its inclusion in the New Testament canon are uncertain. What is certain is that the author teaches that Jesus is the One who can take us to God. He writes, “Let us draw near…in full assurance of faith.” The Letter wants to get us to the Genuine, the Truth, to God Himself. Such a relationship is unmerited; consequently, the author tells of the covenant taking down barriers to God. How?  A perfect Priest. A perfect Sacrifice. We have the Perfect Priest and Sacrifice in Jesus Christ. The thesis of the Letter to the Hebrews is that Jesus gave access to God. “So let us confidently approach the throne of grace to receive mercy and to find grace for timely help.”