Remembering Our Leaders

A Deeper Look at Hebrews 13:7-17 and the Church’s Reciprocal Relationship

The book of Hebrews was written to Jewish believers facing persecution and living in a culture that did not accept their faith. It’s easy to see how, in the midst of such trials, love for one another could wane. The author of Hebrews, aware of the dangers of isolation and despair, encourages these believers to cultivate love and hospitality.¹

In Hebrews 13:1-3, we see the author’s exhortation: “Let brotherly love continue. Do not neglect to show hospitality to strangers, for thereby some have entertained angels unawares.” (Hebrews 13:1-2, ESV). This call to love and hospitality is not merely about social niceties; it’s a lifeline to those struggling within the community. By fostering an atmosphere of love, we not only support one another but also reflect the heart of Christ.

A Call to Imitate Faith

Continuing with the theme of Christian living and enduring faith the author writes, “Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith.” (Hebrews 13:7, ESV). This verse serves as a reminder of the significance of church leadership. It is not merely about following a person; it is about recognising the role of leaders who preach the gospel.

The Nature of Godly Leadership

These leaders do not express their own opinions or impose their own will. Instead, godly leaders are those who point us to Christ and whose lives are rooted in grace. As we assess their lives, we should look for alignment with scripture, integrity in their personal lives, and a heart that loves God and others. The author calls us to consider not only their teachings but also the outcome of their way of life. This requires us to engage with leaders; we are not being asked to imitate those on social media whose lives we cannot fully observe or interact with.

Imitating Imperfect Leaders

It is worth noting that the leaders we are called to remember and imitate are not perfect. The author of Hebrews does not expect us to find flawless leaders. Instead, he invites us to see how these leaders, despite their imperfections, have remained faithful to the gospel. Hebrews 11 recounts the stories of heroes of faith who were far from perfect, yet their lives pointed towards God’s redemptive work.²

The exhortation to “imitate their faith” compels us to look past their failures to the faithfulness of God that sustains them. As we reflect on their lives, we are reminded of the grace that empowered Paul to pursue holiness: “But by the grace of God I am what I am, and his grace toward me was not in vain.” (1 Corinthians 15:10, ESV).

An Unchanging Foundation

In the midst of shifting leadership styles, Hebrews 13:8 offers the reader a foundational truth: “Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” (Hebrews 13:8, ESV). This statement is the bedrock of the Christian faith and provides consistency amid the changes encountered in church leadership and personal circumstances.

The Consistency of Christ

While leaders may come and go, Christ remains the source of our hope and the foundation upon which we build our lives. In a world rife with diverse teachings, we are called to anchor ourselves in the unchanging truth of the gospel. As the author warns, “Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings” (Hebrews 13:9, ESV). Our commitment to Christ must transcend the personalities of our leaders.

Grace as Our Sustenance

The author contrasts the distractions of false teachings with the sustenance of grace — “It is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace” (Hebrews 13:9, ESV). This grace is not only the means of our salvation; it is also the power that enables us to live faithfully. In our relationships with one another and with our leaders, we must rely on this grace daily. It reminds us that our ability to extend love and support to our leaders—and to one another—comes from God’s unending generosity towards us.

A Tremendous Privilege

In Hebrews 13:10-12, we are reminded of the significance of Jesus’ sacrifice and the access it grants us to God's grace. Unlike the Old Testament priests who could not partake in the offerings that were burned outside the camp, we are invited to a different altar——the cross of Christ.

The Contrast of Covenants

The author contrasts the Old Covenant, where the bodies of sacrificial animals were consumed outside the camp, with the New Covenant established through Jesus' blood. “So Jesus also suffered outside the gate in order to sanctify the people through his own blood” (Hebrews 13:12, ESV). This powerful act means that we can now partake in the grace that flows from his sacrifice, allowing us to feast on the love and forgiveness offered to us.

Cultivating Intimacy with God

Our privilege as believers is not only rooted in the salvation we receive but also in the intimate relationship we cultivate with God. Just as Moses had to pitch his tent outside the camp to meet with God after Israel's sin, we see that being outside of the camp signifies a place of encounter with the Holy One.³ Jesus willingly went outside the city to bear our sins and bring us into fellowship with God, demonstrating that true holiness and communion come through his suffering.

The Reproach of Christ

Hebrews 13:13-14 invites us to “go to him outside the camp and bear the reproach he endured.” (Hebrews 13:13, ESV).

Identifying with Christ's Suffering

To bear the reproach of Christ means we willingly embrace the discomfort that comes from aligning ourselves with Him. Jesus was rejected by the religious establishment and crucified as a common criminal. As his followers, we may face similar challenges. However, we are not to retreat into comfort or seek the approval of the world. Instead, we are to seek the “city that is to come” (Hebrews 13:14, ESV), living as citizens of heaven while navigating the complexities of our earthly existence. Jesus was crucified outside the temporal city of Jerusalem, in order to bring his people into an eternal city.⁴

The Sacrifice of Praise

The author calls us to “continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God” (Hebrews 13:15, ESV). This sacrifice is not merely about our worship but extends to how we live out our faith in our communities. Our words and actions should reflect our gratitude for God’s grace, compelling us to serve one another and our leaders joyfully.

As we engage in this reciprocal relationship, we are reminded that our interactions matter. Do we contribute to an atmosphere of encouragement, or do we foster discord? Are we lifting our leaders up in prayer and support, or are we critical and dismissive? Our attitude towards our leaders significantly impacts the health of our church communities.

A Reciprocal Relationship

In closing, the call to faithful graciousness within our church communities is both a privilege and a responsibility. As we navigate our relationships with leaders and fellow believers, we are reminded to do so through the lens of grace and love.

Our leaders, though imperfect, provide us with examples of faith that can inspire us toward greater obedience and devotion to Christ. By remembering their teachings and imitating their faith, we cultivate a community that reflects the heart of God.

As we seek to embody this reciprocal relationship, let us remember that both leaders and congregants are ultimately seeking the unchanging Christ, who empowers us to love and sacrifice for one another. In embracing this call, we not only honour our leaders but also contribute to the flourishing of the church, pointing all glory back to God.

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For further exploration of this topic and insights into the implications of Hebrews 13:17, please refer to the article titled "Faithful Graciousness: The Reciprocal Relationship That Benefits Our Church Communities."

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1. This article is written to provide theological context that supports a previous discussion centred around Hebrews 13:17, titled "Faithful Graciousness: The Reciprocal Relationship That Benefits Our Church Communities." The impetus for this exploration arose from a conversation with a local Bible college student who expressed the view that the book of Hebrews may have limited relevance for contemporary believers, given its original audience was a persecuted church. By delving into the context of Hebrews, this article seeks to highlight its significance for contemporary Christian living.

2. Hebrews 11 is often called the "Hall of Faith" and includes numerous individuals recognised for their faith. Among them are Abel, Enoch, Noah, Abraham, Sarah, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, and Moses. The chapter also mentions less celebrated figures like Rahab the prostitute, and leaders like Gideon, Barak, Samson, and Jephthah.

3. "Now Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. And everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp" (Exodus 33:7, ESV). This verse illustrates the significance of Moses pitching the tent of meeting outside the camp as a response to Israel's sin and idolatry. By removing the tent from the defilement of the camp, Moses created a space where individuals could seek the Lord in holiness and purity.

4. "And I saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband" (Revelation 21:2, ESV). The New Jerusalem symbolises the ultimate fulfilment of God's promise to His people, representing a place of perfect communion with Him, free from sin, suffering, and death. It is depicted as a beautiful and glorious city, highlighting the hope and future that believers have in eternal life with God.