Read for This Week’s Study: Heb. 12:18–29; Exod. 32:32;
Dan. 7:9, 10, 13–22; Hag. 2:6–9, 20–22; Ps. 15:5; Ps. 16:8; Heb. 13:15, 16.
Memory Text: “Therefore, since we are receiving a kingdom which
cannot be shaken, let us have grace, by which we may serve God
acceptably with reverence and godly fear” (Hebrews 12:28, NKJV).
H
ebrews 12:18–29, the passage for this week, is the climax
of the letter, and it sums up its main concern by repeating
the idea with which it started: God has spoken to us in the
person of His Son, and we need to pay careful attention (Heb. 1:1, 2;
Heb. 12:25) to Him. The description of Jesus in Hebrews 12:22–24
epitomizes the letter’s assertions about Him: Jesus is the Mediator of
the new covenant, and His blood provides salvation for believers. His
priestly and royal ministry in our behalf is a cause for celebration for
the heavenly hosts. And finally, Hebrews 12:25–29 contains the last
and climactic exhortation: God’s judgment is coming. It will bring
destruction to His enemies—but vindication and a kingdom to His
people (Heb. 12:28, 29).
The ending reaffirms the importance of Jesus’ achievements at the
cross and directs believers to the consummation of Jesus’ victory at
the Second Coming. Paul used imagery from Daniel 7 to remind the
readers that Jesus has received a kingdom from God, the Judge (Dan.
7:9–14), and is going to share His kingdom with believers, “the saints
of the Most High,” who will possess it forever and ever (Dan. 7:18).