Our Scripture Study
Therefore, since we are surrounded by so great a cloud of witnesses, let us also lay aside every weight, and sin which clings so closely, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, looking to Jesus, the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God.” – Hebrews 12:1-2 (ESV)
Recently, a group of friends and I were meeting as part of our discipleship group. A book we follow along with tasked us with identifying who from the “Heroes of Faith” we can most identify with from Hebrews 11. We all agreed that’s a tough question to answer considering Noah saved creation from a flood (Genesis 6-8; Hebrews 11:7), Moses led a nation out of slavery (Exodus 1-14; Hebrews 11:23-29), and David took down a giant war champion (1 Samuel 17; Hebrews 11:32).
In addition, I had a great pastor (Pastor Scott Decker of Community Chapel of Hesston) once share with me to pay attention to the “red thread” throughout the Bible, linking the entire story of the Bible to Jesus. He encouraged us in the congregation to put Jesus into every story, instead of ourselves.
For example, instead of thinking of us as David in the David vs Goliath story, look for ways the story points to Jesus. David steps into the valley alone as the “representative champion” (1 Samuel 17:40). In ancient warfare, if the champion won, the whole nation won. David takes on the giant no one else can face. Jesus stepped into the valley of death on the cross, taking on the ultimate giants of Sin, Satan, and Death completely alone (Colossians 2:13-15).
David cuts off the giant’s head using the giant’s own sword (1 Samuel 17:51). Jesus defeated Death by using death itself—submitting to the grave only to break it open from the inside out (Hebrews 2:14-15). Because our Champion won, we get to share in the spoils of His victory without having fought the battle ourselves.
Other Old Testament stories that point to Jesus:
- Joseph: Joseph is the beloved son of his father, sent to his brothers. His brothers reject him, strip him of his robe, and sell him for pieces of silver (Genesis 37). He descends into a pit and later into a dark prison, mirroring Jesus’ betrayal (by Judas for silver – Matthew 26:14-16), suffering, and descent into the grave. Joseph is raised from the dungeon (the grave) to the right hand of Pharaoh, given all authority over the kingdom (Genesis 41:39-44). From that throne, he provides the “bread of life” to a starving world—and specifically forgives and saves the very brothers who betrayed him (Genesis 50:19-21), just as Jesus saves those whose sins put Him on the cross.
- Moses: Moses instituted the Passover. The Israelites were saved from the angel of death only because the blood of a spotless lamb was painted on the wood of their doorframes (Exodus 12:21-23). Jesus is the true Passover Lamb (1 Corinthians 5:7); His blood applied to the “wood” of the cross averts God’s judgment from us. Moses leads the Israelites through the waters of the Red Sea (Exodus 14)—a transition from certain death and slavery into new life and freedom. Jesus is the “greater Moses” who leads humanity in the ultimate Exodus, not out of political Egypt, but out of slavery to sin and the grave.
So, what does this mean for us today?
It means the pressure is off. As men, we often feel the weight of the world on our shoulders—we think we have to be the hero, the giant-slayer, the one who parts the sea for our families and our workplaces. But the beautiful truth of the Gospel is that the ultimate battle has already been fought, and our Champion has already won. Whatever ‘giant’ you are facing this week, you don’t have to face it alone, and you don’t have to rely on your own strength. Rest in the victory of Jesus, and let’s be sure to keep Matt and the ECMen team in our prayers as they minister in Kenya.
Have a great day, my friends.
Blessings,
Luke
