What does Hebrews 13:20-21 say about Jesus being the great shepherd and God's blessings?

Hebrews 13:20-21 is a powerful benediction that encapsulates the essence of the Christian faith, the role of Jesus Christ, and the blessings that flow from God. These verses read:

"Now may the God of peace who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep, by the blood of the eternal covenant, equip you with everything good that you may do his will, working in us that which is pleasing in his sight, through Jesus Christ, to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." (Hebrews 13:20-21, ESV)

These two verses are packed with theological significance and pastoral encouragement. They serve as a fitting conclusion to the Epistle to the Hebrews, summarizing key themes while invoking God's blessings upon the readers. Let's unpack these verses to understand what they say about Jesus being the great shepherd and the nature of God's blessings.

The God of Peace

The benediction begins by addressing God as the "God of peace." This title is significant because it highlights one of God's fundamental attributes—His desire for reconciliation and harmony. Throughout the Bible, peace is often associated with God's presence and His kingdom. In the Old Testament, the Hebrew word for peace, "shalom," encompasses completeness, welfare, and tranquility. This peace is not merely the absence of conflict but the presence of God's restorative justice and love.

Paul often uses the term "God of peace" in his letters (e.g., Romans 15:33, 1 Thessalonians 5:23), emphasizing that peace comes from God and is a key aspect of His relationship with humanity. In the context of Hebrews, this peace is achieved through the sacrificial work of Jesus Christ, who reconciles us to God.

Jesus, the Great Shepherd

The phrase "who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus, the great shepherd of the sheep" is rich with imagery and theological depth. Jesus as the "great shepherd" is a motif that resonates deeply with biblical tradition. The imagery of God as a shepherd is prevalent in the Old Testament. Psalms 23 famously begins with, "The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want." God is portrayed as a caring and guiding shepherd who leads His people to safety and abundance.

In the New Testament, Jesus identifies Himself as the "good shepherd" in John 10:11-14, saying, "I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd lays down his life for the sheep." This self-identification aligns Jesus with the shepherd imagery of the Old Testament, but it also intensifies it by highlighting His sacrificial love. The "great shepherd" title in Hebrews 13:20 elevates this concept even further, emphasizing Jesus' supreme authority and care over His flock.

The resurrection of Jesus ("who brought again from the dead our Lord Jesus") is a cornerstone of Christian faith. It signifies God's power over death and His approval of Jesus' sacrificial work. The resurrection is God's ultimate act of validation and victory, confirming that Jesus is indeed the great shepherd who has conquered death to lead His sheep into eternal life.

The Blood of the Eternal Covenant

The phrase "by the blood of the eternal covenant" connects Jesus' role as the great shepherd with His sacrificial death. The concept of a covenant is central to the Bible, signifying a binding agreement between God and His people. The "eternal covenant" refers to the new covenant established by Jesus' blood, which is everlasting and unbreakable. This covenant fulfills and surpasses the old covenants made with figures like Abraham and Moses.

In Hebrews 9:15, the author explains, "Therefore he is the mediator of a new covenant, so that those who are called may receive the promised eternal inheritance, since a death has occurred that redeems them from the transgressions committed under the first covenant." Jesus' blood, shed on the cross, inaugurates this new covenant, offering redemption and eternal life to all who believe.

Equipping for Good Works

The benediction continues with a prayer for God's equipping: "equip you with everything good that you may do his will." This is a profound request for divine enablement. The Greek word translated as "equip" (katartizō) carries the sense of making someone completely adequate or perfect for a task. It suggests that God provides not just the tools but also the capability and readiness to use them effectively.

This equipping is for the purpose of doing God's will. The Christian life is not merely about belief but also about action—living out the faith through good works. Ephesians 2:10 states, "For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them." The equipping mentioned in Hebrews 13:21 is God's way of preparing us to fulfill these good works, ensuring that we are capable of living lives that are pleasing to Him.

Working in Us

The phrase "working in us that which is pleasing in his sight" emphasizes that it is God who initiates and sustains our ability to do good. Philippians 2:13 echoes this idea: "for it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure." This underscores the doctrine of sanctification, where God's Spirit continually works within believers to transform them into the likeness of Christ. It's a cooperative process where human effort and divine power intersect, resulting in a life that honors God.

Through Jesus Christ

All of this is made possible "through Jesus Christ." Jesus is the mediator and the means by which God's blessings and equipping flow to us. John 15:5 records Jesus saying, "I am the vine; you are the branches. Whoever abides in me and I in him, he it is that bears much fruit, for apart from me you can do nothing." This dependence on Christ is fundamental to the Christian life. It is through our union with Him that we receive the strength and grace needed to live out God's will.

To Whom Be Glory Forever and Ever

The benediction concludes with a doxology: "to whom be glory forever and ever. Amen." This ascription of glory to Jesus Christ is a fitting end, reminding us that all of our efforts, sanctification, and good works ultimately point back to Him. The glory of Jesus is eternal, and our lives are meant to reflect that glory.

Implications for Believers

Hebrews 13:20-21 offers profound insights into the nature of Jesus as the great shepherd and the blessings that God bestows upon believers. It reassures us of God's peace, the efficacy of Jesus' sacrificial death and resurrection, and the ongoing work of the Holy Spirit in our lives. These verses encourage us to trust in God's provision and to live out our faith through good works, always relying on the strength and grace that come through Jesus Christ.

As we meditate on these verses, we are reminded of the comprehensive nature of God's blessings. They encompass peace, equipping for good works, and the ongoing transformation of our lives. In Jesus, we have a great shepherd who not only leads us but also empowers us to live lives that are pleasing to God. This benediction, therefore, serves as both a prayer and a promise, assuring us of God's ongoing work in our lives and His eternal glory.