Studies in Hebrews, 1 & 2 Peter

27. Hebrews 12:3-17 - Dealing With Difficulties

We are exhorted to follow the example of Jesus. What kind of example did he set for us? “For the joy set before him he endured the cross, scorning its shame, and sat down at the right hand of the throne of God.” Jesus kept his eyes on the goal — the joy set before him. What is his joy? It is our salvation. That is what motivated him to endure the pain and shame of the cross. The cross shows us how much Jesus wants us to join him in his joy, to join him in his position of honor and authority next to God. This sets an example that can help us endure our difficulties.

“Consider him who endured such opposition from sinners, so that you will not grow weary and lose heart.” If we think about what he did, we will be encouraged to put up with the inconveniences that Christianity may bring us. As we focus on him, he will strengthen the faith within us.

But as the author observes, the readers had not experienced the trial that Jesus had: “In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood.” In the faith community of the readers, no one had been killed. Even so, they should be willing to give their lives, because the life they would gain is far more than anything they might give up.

Children and discipline (verses 5-13)

The author then quotes Proverbs 3:11-12 to give the readers a better way to view their problems:

This does not mean that every problem we face has been specifically caused by God, or that it is a punishment for something we did wrong. But problems can be turned for good in our lives if we look at them as athletic training that can help us be stronger and more faithful.

In the Christian life, difficulties are to be expected: “For what children are not disciplined by their parents? If you are not disciplined — and everyone undergoes discipline — then you are not true sons and daughters at all.” In Greek society, wealthy men often had mistresses, and they often had illegitimate children. They sent their legal children to school and trained them, but they usually ignored their illegitimate children.

He is speaking in general terms here, not commenting on parents who are too strict or abusive. Human discipline has temporary benefits, but divine discipline has eternal benefits, so we should be even more willing to endure it. This is not always easy, but we will endure it better if we are mentally prepared for it. “No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it.” We may not see those results right away (especially peace), but we will enjoy the results if we persevere.

“Therefore,” since discipline has good results in our lives, “strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. ‘Make level paths for your feet,’ so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed” (verses 12-13, quoting Proverbs 4:26). Don’t let problems cause you to drop out of the race. Keeping aiming for the goal, even though it is sometimes difficult.

Don’t be like Esau (verses 14-17)

The author now shifts gears and makes a general exhortation: “Make every effort to live in peace with everyone” — don’t seek persecution — “and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord.” Since Jesus makes us holy by his death (10:10, 14), we need to trust him for the status we need to be with God.

But there is a danger: “See to it that no one falls short of the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many.” How might people fall short of God’s grace? The “bitter root” probably refers to Deuteronomy 29:18, which describes someone who turns away from God. If we turn away from Christ, it means that we do not want his benefits.

See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. Even though he sought the blessing with tears, he could not change what he had done.

Esau is an example to avoid: He gave up a long-term blessing for a short-term benefit. This is the choice the readers were facing, too: Would they give up eternal life with Christ for a little convenience in this world? If you do this, the author says, the time will come when the result will be irreversible. Esau repented in one sense — he decided he wanted the blessing — but it was too late, because the blessing was part of the inheritance he had already traded away. Do not sell out the faith, the author says. Stand firm, and be faithful — and we do that by fixing our eyes on Jesus.

Things to think about

• Do people now have different attitudes about parental discipline? (verse 9) How does this affect our attitude toward difficulties we may face?

Author: Michael Morrison, PhD