Study the Pioneer

Scripture Passage: Hebrews 2:10-3.2

Passage Boundaries: See The Structure of Hebrews, page 77-78

Translation:

10For it was appropriate that God, the creator and sustainer of all, in leading many sons to glory, should have the leader of the expedition travel through suffering in achieving the goal of salvation. 11 Both the holy one and the ones made holy have gone through the same thing. As a result, he is not ashamed to call them brothers. 12 saying, “I will announce your name to my brothers and in the middle of church, I will sing your praises” 13and again “I am confident in you” and again “Here I am with the children God has provided”. 14Since the children have flesh and blood, he too had the same, so that through his death, he could destroy the one who has the power to hold death, that is the devil, 15and release the many that are afraid of death and those whose life was held in slavery. 16 For surely he did not do this for spiritual beings but for Abraham’s seed. 17 So he was obligated to become like his brothers in every respect so that he would be a merciful and faithful high priest before God and atone for the peoples’ sin. 18 For because he suffered when he was tempted, he has the power to help others who are tempted. 1Therefore, brothers of holiness who share in the heavenly calling, reflect on Jesus, God’s messenger and high priest whom we confess, 2he was faithful to his role just as Moses faithfully served in God’s house.

Issues in the Greek Text:

The journey, or immigration, motif in this passage is quite interesting. Of note is the word ἀρχηγὸν (2.10) - the leader of an expedition. This is a great as it gives a metaphor which appeals to men, much more than the regular translation of ‘author’. Author creates images of sitting in a library quietly. In comparison ‘Expedition leader’ creates images closer to strong males and testosterone.  This expedition is going to achieve σωτηρίας (2.10) – salvation for the many sons. The concept of achieving the goal is not one of moral perfection, but rather τελειῶσαι (2.10), suggesting completion or achievement.

ἀγγέλων (2.16) Here I translate as ‘spiritual beings’ picking up the contrast with αἵματος καὶ σαρκός.

ἀπόστολον (3.1) Here I translate as ‘God’s messenger’ hearkening back to the chapter 1.1-4.

Lesson Plan #2

| Hook: | Start with an open question: Where did you or your forefathers live before settling in Canada? Have learners shout out their answers. This is intended to increase learner participation and interest. We then move to a live interview with an immigrant to our country. Focus on the following:* Where did you come from and why?

• What were some of the challenges along the way?
• Was there a leader for your immigration?
• Was it worth preserving? Why?
• Do the subsequent generations understand the cost that was paid for them?

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| Look: | #. Review the journey theme and re-translate the key terms so that the immigration theme becomes evident.

1. ἀρχηγὸν - the leader of an expedition. Use Jacob Shantz[1] story and plaque to explain concepts. If we were to re-write v10 about Jacob Shantz, we might say “In bringing many families to Canada, Jacob established the way to salvation although it cost him.”
2. αδελφοι - the brothers that went on the expedition. These he calls ‘brothers’ – Shared experiences make us ‘brothers’. Band of Brothers.
3. τελειῶσαι – the end of the journey, the destination. Explain that this is not moral perfection.
4. refer back to 2.2 and the nautical motif

1. Jesus establishes the path to salvation – the path of immigration
2. Jesus completed his goal through suffering – the path was not easy
3. It is along this same path that many are brought to glory

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[1] See Appendix A for details on Jacob Shantz and his role establishing an immigration path for Mennonites to Manitoba.