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Jesus in Hebrews: an exegetical analysis of the references to Jesus' earthly life in the Epistle to the Hebrews

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Date
1986
Author
Terveen, John L.
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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.
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http://hdl.handle.net/1842/6787
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