The Pilgrimage of the People of God

(Cult and Pilgrimage Motifs in Hebrews and Its Christological Interpretation)

I. Understanding of the Context

Letter to the Hebrews is addressed to the Christian community. As Christians, they have become
“God’s house” (3:6b), the people of God. They are holy people, because they have Jesus Christ as their
High Priest (4:14). The problem is that as the second generation Christians, they have to face the
difficulties, so that they become weak and indifference. It is a serious problem. The author of this letter,
as a good pastor, urges his congregation to renew their faith. The author exhorts them to be faithful until
the end as they would reach God’s promise.
For his purpose, the author insists that they are God’s chosen people. They are portrayed as a
holy people in the cultic community (cult metaphor). But at the same time, they have not reached the
final destination. They are still on the pilgrimage to the sacred place, to the presence of God. As the
pilgrims, there are many dangers that could make them fail (pilgrimage motif). Therefore, the author
shows the need of endurance in this faith pilgrimage.
II. The Christians as the People of God (Cult Metaphor)

III. The Journey to the Different Rest (Pilgrimage Motif)

IV. The Pilgrimage of God’s People in the Old Testament

V. Christ High Priest and Forerunner