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Hebrews 4:1-13 “The Rest We Must Enter”

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5–7 minutes

Hebrews 4:1-13 NIV

Suggested Praise Songs:

Resources for Family Worship (with Children):

Explanation:

The author expands on the theme of “rest” mentioned in Hebrews 3:11. The “rest that God gives” (v. 1) refers to salvation. True rest is being restored as God’s children in Jesus Christ and dwelling in his love. The term “they” (v. 2) refers to the ancestors of Israel who failed to enter the land of Canaan. Although they heard the Word, they did not come to faith through it and thus could not enter the rest (Canaan). The term “we” (v. 3) refers to the readers of Hebrews. Because they believed the Word, they hope to enter true rest. This rest refers to God’s eternal kingdom, which began after He completed the six days of creation and continues forever (v. 4).

The Israelites believed that they would find rest once they entered and settled in the land of Canaan (vv. 5-6). However, that was not the true rest. Therefore, the author explains that Joshua did not provide them with true rest and that a day to enter true rest still remains (v. 7). If settling in Canaan had fulfilled the promise of rest, there would be no further mention of rest. Yet God spoke through the prophets about “another day” yet to come (v. 8). This signifies that true rest will be attained on that future day (v. 9).

The day David prophesied about is referred to as “Today” (v. 7). This is the day when God grants salvation through His Son. We are now living in that “Today.” Before this “Today” passes, we must believe in the gospel and be restored as God’s children. By doing so, we can enter the rest that the Israelites hoped for but could not attain (v. 9). Upon entering that rest, we will experience true rest and fulfillment, just as “God rested from His works” (v. 10). This rest will be fully realized in God’s kingdom when the “Today” granted to us comes to an end.

Therefor, we must strive to avoid falling behind on our journey of faith (v. 11). The word translated as “strive” is spoudazo, a term used in athletic competitions to describe giving one’s full effort. False teachings must not sway us or doubt the gospel of Jesus Christ. Those who have already fallen away from the path of faith heard the gospel message but “did not combine it with faith” (v. 2). However, those who do combine the Word with faith will enter into rest (v. 3). God’s Word is “sharper than any double-edged sword” (v. 12). It actively works in the lives of those who genuinely believe. Its power is so transformative that no one can remain unchanged by it (v. 13).

Meditation:

God entered into His rest after the six days of creation. From this state of rest, He has continued to govern the universe and guide human history. Here, we can see that rest is not about doing nothing but rather engaging in different work. God commanded His people to keep the Sabbath holy. This means setting aside one day each week to stop working, enjoy the blessings God has given us, give thanks, celebrate, and worship Him. By doing so, we are reminded of who truly reigns over the universe and who controls the course of history — and in that remembrance, we find rest in Him.

Taking a day of rest each week is a way of practicing and experiencing the eternal rest we will enjoy in God’s kingdom in advance. When the Israelites ended their forty years of wandering in the wilderness and settled in the land of Canaan, it served as a “small rest” that reflected what eternal rest would be like. Yet the Israelites failed to enter even this temporary rest because they did not remain faithful. How much more, then, must we strive to keep our faith if we are to enter the eternal rest that God has prepared for us.

Jesus said, “Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:27). Entering into rest means being reconciled with God through Jesus Christ and being restored as His children. Right now, through faith, we are experiencing a foretaste of that eternal rest. The rest we now enjoy through faith will be fully realized when Jesus returns to establish the new heavens and the new earth. Until that day comes — as long as “Today” continues — we must combine God’s Word with faith and remain steadfast on the path of belief.

Prayer:

Lord, thank you for granting us true rest in you. We believe and await the day when the rest and peace we now experience will be fully realized at your return. Help us to remain diligent in our faith so that we do not lose the power of this peace. In a world where anxiety and worry spread like a plague, guide us to share the peace you have given us with those around us. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Discussion Questions for Children & Youth:

Key Point: True rest comes from trusting Jesus. Just like God rested after creating the world, we can find peace by trusting God. Jesus invites us to go to him when we are tired or worried, and he promises to give us rest. We can feel this peace now when we believe in him, and it will be perfect and complete when Jesus returns.

  • For Preschool-Lower Elementary
    • When you feel tired or worried, what helps you feel better? How do you think Jesus can help you in those moments?
    • Jesus says he gives us rest. What do you think that means? How can we feel Jesus’ rest in our hearts?
  • For Upper Elementary-Middle School
    • What makes you feel stressed or overwhelmed in your life? How can trusting Jesus help you feel calm in those moments?
    • What does it mean to combine God’s Word with faith? Can you think of a time when trusting God made a difference in your life?
  • For High School
    • The Israelites missed out on God’s rest because they didn’t trust Him fully. What are some things that make trusting God difficult for you?
    • How can you reflect God’s peace to your classmates, family, or friends who may be feeling anxious or stressed?

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