To Follow Christ Outside the Gate
10 We have an altar from which those who worship at the tabernacle do not have a right to eat. 11 For the bodies of those animals whose blood is brought into the most holy place by the high priest as a sin offering are burned outside the camp. 12 Therefore, Jesus also suffered outside the gate, so that he might sanctify the people by his own blood. 13 Let us, then, go to him outside the camp, bearing his disgrace. (Hebrews 13:10-13)
In this next section, verses 10 to 16, the author encourages the readers to have a right response to God. In verse 10, the author gives a metaphor for Christian Jews and non-Christian Jews, addressing their audience of Hebrews, the Jewish believers. Those who have faith in Jesus Christ can approach Him directly through accessing this “altar,” a symbol of Jesus’ atoning sacrifice. Yet, those who have rejected Christ and His death, instead, ritualistically “worship at the tabernacle.” They may be able to physically eat food from the altar, but they do not have that spiritual relationship with Christ daily.
With verse 11, when the high priests offered sacrifices for their sins, the sacrifices were burned outside the camp, an area which symbolizes separation and contempt from the camp. With that in mind, verse 12, “Therefore, Jesus also suffered outside the gate, so that He might sanctify the people by His own blood.” Jesus literally died outside of Jerusalem, facing the contempt of the people. Yet, He willingly suffered and died to provide the gift of salvation to everyone that they may have the opportunity to be saved.
Again, addressing the readers, the author challenges them, “then,” to “go to Him outside the camp, bearing His disgrace.” Instead of following these past rituals, they are challenged to follow only Christ and His Word. They would be scorned and persecuted by their fellow countryman, but, as Christ faced the persecution willingly to complete His purpose, so too should they follow Christ’s example, being obedient to Him and His purpose for their lives. Likewise, if you are a believer in Christ, if there are past religious practices, cultural rituals, and worldly habits that go in direct opposition to God’s Word, we are challenged to only follow Christ and be obedient to Him solely. Although that may bring discomfort from those around you, following Christ and receiving His promises outweighs the temporary challenges of this life.
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
