Jesus in Hebrews: an exegetical analysis of the references to Jesus' earthly life in the Epistle to the Hebrews
Abstract
Christianity has long affirmed the humanity of Jesus, the "very
man" of the church's - confession Yet, outside the gospels and Acts, the
NT writers. remarkably seldom address themselves to any details from
Jesus' earthly life, specific words of his preaching or teaching, or
statements about his experience as a man. Therefore, the particular
interest which the author of the Epistle to the Hebrews exhibits in
Jesus' earthly life and death is particularly noteworthy. How did the
creative theologian and pastor who wrote Hebrews recall and present the
earthly life and death of Jesus in his "word of exhortation" (13: 22) to
a community of second-generation Christians?
The primary purpose of this thesis will be to analyse (through
an exegetical investigation of the relevant passages in Hebrews) the
author of Hebrews' knowledge, expression and use of the earthly life of
Jesus in his epistle. To which outward events or inward experiences of
Jesus as a man has the author referred or alluded? How did Hebrews'
author employ and apply the knowledge he did possess, and what place do
the references to Jesus' earthly way have in relation to the heart of
the author's message of encouragement? Was Jesus' earthly life significant
for the faith and life of the church in its present existence? If so, the question
'how? ' is of utmost importance for Hebrews' readers.
In the exegetical body of this thesis it will be shown that
Hebrews' author has portrayed Jesus' earthly way with a realism unparalleled
in NT epistles. It will be seen that the author of Hebrews' concern
with and knowledge of Jesus' earthly life is far from the level
of a cursory nod given to the bare "Dass" of Jesus' human existence
and death. Indeed, this study will demonstrate the author of Hebrews'
deep interest in the particular kind of life Jesus lived as a man--
the "how" and not simply the "that. " The degree to which the author
of Hebrews maintains the "normality" of Jesus' earthly life, particularly
in reference to Jesus' experience of temptation and obedience, will
be shown as an extraordinary feature of this epistle. Further references
to Jesus' experience of suffering and death, his genuine anxiety
in the face of death and his perseverance in an authentically human
faith struggle all emphasize the author of Hebrews' profound concern
with the particular kind of life Jesus experienced as a man.
It will also be shown throughout the exegetical investigation
into seven passages in Hebrews (2: 3; 2: 5-18; 4: 14-16; 5: 7-10; 7: 14;
12: 1-3; 13: 12) that the reference to Jesus' earthly life was an indispensable
element both for the author's christology and paraenesis. It
will further be seen that a distinctive feature of the author's interpretation
of the significance of Jesus' earthly life, evident in both
christological and paraenetic perspectives, is a duality in the relationship
between Jesus and men. In Hebrews, Jesus is in the fullest sense
united with mankind, yet at the same time he remains utterly distinct
from them. The tension in this dual relationship of Jesus with the
human community of faith presents the interpreter of Hebrews with the
poignant paradox which characterizes the author of Hebrews' understanding
of Jesus "in the days of his flesh."
Through this investigation it is hoped that a more meaningful
confession of Jesus' humanity will be set forth which appreciates the
unique contribution of the Epistle to the Hebrews. It is further hoped
that this thesis contributes toward a better understanding of the
significance of Jesus' earthly life for the ongoing faith and life of
the church in its present situation.
