Problem: On the one hand, it would seem that Christ shrunk from death, since He prayed “with vehement cries and tears to Him who was able to save Him from death” (Heb. 5:7). He said, “O My Father, if it is possible, let this cup pass from Me” (Matt. 26:39). On the other hand, we are led to believe that He faced death obediently and boldly, for He “steadfastly set His face to go to Jerusalem” (Luke 9:51), calmly facing His arrest, trial, and crucifixion, and repeatedly assuring His disciples He would rise again (Matt. 12:40–42; John 10:18).
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Problem: In chapters 5 and 7 of his book, the author of Hebrews argues that Jesus is in the high priesthood of Melchizedek.
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Problem: The author of Hebrews writes, “[Jesus] has been tempted in all things as we are, yet without sin” (Heb. 4:15). However, James writes, “God cannot be tempted by evil” (Jas. 1:13). Doesn’t this mean that Jesus isn’t God?
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Problem: There are a number of questions raised in studying this passage:
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Problem: The author of Hebrews writes, “Christ was faithful as a Son over His house—whose house we are, if we hold fast our confidence and the boast of our hope firm until the end” (Heb. 3:6). Later he writes, “We have become partakers of Christ, if we hold fast the beginning of our assurance firm until the end” (Heb. 3:14). Does this mean that we can lose our salvation from having a hardened heart?
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Problem: The house here is the group of believers throughout human history. The author says that Moses served in this house in verse 5, and he says that all believers are in this house of God in verse 6 (“whose house we are”). Since Moses was a member of this group, he is a part of the house, so to speak.
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Problem: The writer of Hebrews says that Christ “had to be made like His brethren in all things… For since He Himself was tempted in that which He has suffered, He is able to come to the aid of those who are tempted” (2:17–18, nasb). Does this mean that Christ could have sinned?
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Problem: The writer of Hebrews speaks here about Christ’s coming so “that through death He might destroy him who had the power of death, that is, the devil.” But in other places the Bible asserts that only God has the power over life and death: “I kill and I make alive” (Deut. 32:39; cf. Job 1:21).
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Problem: The author writes, “And again, ‘I will put My trust in Him.’ And again, ‘Behold, I and the children whom God has given Me’” (Heb. 2:13). This citation comes from Isaiah 8:17-18. Why does he cite it here?
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