In many ways, chapter 10 is a review chapter before the author changes gears in chapter 11. Verses 1-18 rehearse what has already been said about Jesus: He is better! And He is our great High Priest who has made a way for us to go behind the curtain directly into the presence of God. Verses 19-21 summarize everything in this way…
Therefore, brothers, since we have confidence to enter the holy places by the blood of Jesus, by the new and living way that he opened for us through the curtain, that is, through his flesh, and since we have a great priest over the house of God…
At this point the author gives us 3 “let us” exhortations in verses 22-25. There are 14 “let us” exhortations sprinkled throughout Hebrews and they serve as some of the most practical ways to apply everything the author says. Here are all 14…
- “While the promise of entering his rest still stands, let us fear lest any of you should seem to have failed to reach it.” (4:1)
- “Let us therefore strive to enter that rest, so that no one may fall by the same sort of disobedience. For the Word God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword.” (4:11)
- “Since then we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus, the Son of God, let us hold fast our confession.” (4:14)
- “Let us then with confidence draw near to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need.” ((4:16)
- “Let us leave the elementary doctrine of Christ and go on to maturity.” (6:1)
- “Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith.” (10:22)
- “Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” (10:23)
- “And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near.” (10:24)
- “Let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely.” (12:1)
- “Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus.” (12:1-2)
- “Let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken.” (12:28)
- “Let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe.” (12:28)
- “Let us go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.” (13:13)
- “Let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of lips that acknowledge His name.” (13:15)
Verses 26-39 are also a rehearsal and a reminder of a very strong warning that the author gave back in 6:4-12. In effect he says this: “I know that your old way of approaching God is something that you are familiar with and comfortable with. But don’t ever go back. It is a dead end road. Jesus is better! Cling to Him fiercely and you will be rewarded greatly. The Lord is faithful.”
May this brick encourage you to press on in the faith knowing that no matter what enticements this world tantalizes you with… Jesus is better!