The Fourth Sunday of Advent is a significant marker in the Christian calendar, heralding the final week of preparation before the joyous celebration of Christmas. As believers focus on the anticipation of Christ’s birth, selected passages from the Bible resonate profoundly within this context. One such passage is from the Epistle to the Hebrews, specifically Hebrews 10:5-7, which captures the essence of Christ’s mission: “When Christ came into the world, he said: ‘Sacrifice and offering you did not desire, but a body you prepared for me; in holocausts and sin offerings you took no delight. Then I said, “As is written of me in the scroll, behold, I come to do your will, O God.'”
Dr. Jeremiah J. Johnston, an esteemed scholar and pastor engaged in cultural and theological discourse, emphasized the significance of these verses during an interview with Fox News Digital. He noted that these words mark the inception of Jesus’ active ministry and embody a profound dialogue between Jesus and God regarding His earthly mission. Johnston elucidates that the author of Hebrews interprets Psalm 40:6-8 in a manner that provides a glimpse into the preexistent Christ, illustrating His commitment to fulfill God’s will at His incarnation.
This season of Advent, especially as it concludes, is not merely a time of merriment and celebration but a poignant reminder of a time when the world was rife with “religious and political exhaustion,” as articulated by Johnston. This era, particularly in the context of late Second Temple Judaism, saw a rigid expansion of God’s commandments into a daunting array of 613 laws. Among these, 248 were affirmative (“do…”) and 365 were prohibitive (“do not…”), thereby transforming genuine faith into a mechanical series of obligations devoid of heartfelt devotion. This rigid legalism contrasted starkly with the intent of God’s covenant with humanity.
Moreover, Johnston highlights the dire circumstances that characterized life during the time of Jesus. The harsh realities of existence in the Roman Empire, including an average life expectancy of just twenty years and approximately a quarter of the population suffering from inadequate medical care, further illustrate the bleakness of that epoch. The touted “Pax Romana” provided little in terms of authentic peace, as a significant portion of society lived under the yoke of slavery and oppression. In this environment, Jesus’ mission—to follow God’s will for humanity—was revolutionary and necessary, bringing forth a message of hope.
As he emphasizes, Jesus’ mission is encapsulated in His first recorded words appearing in Hebrews 10:7, where He declares His intention: “Here I am – it is written about me in the scroll – I have come to do your will, O God.” This profound statement reveals that what God ultimately desires is not mere ritualistic adherence but a genuine, heartfelt obedience from His followers. Johnston notes that Jesus’ fidelity to Scripture throughout His life and ministry contrasts with the Old Testament sacrificial system, which often lacked heartfelt faith. Unlike the animal sacrifices that were common in religious practice, Jesus’ sacrifice was both voluntary and complete.
In reflecting on this greater truth, Johnston urges believers to consider that what God seeks is an authenticity in worship. He reiterates that distorted religious acts devoid of genuine devotion do not align with God’s desires. As the Christmas season unfolds, individuals are encouraged to reflect on the deeper meanings of Jesus’ words and actions, particularly how they encapsulate the core of His mission.
He concludes with an exhortation for the final days of Advent, suggesting that true worship involves more than tradition. It requires sincere devotion to God and action that magnifies His love and peace in the world. Johnston asserts that “only through the incarnation could Jesus do away with sin and achieve God’s will in His death, burial, and physical resurrection.” Thus, as people prepare to celebrate the birth of Jesus, they are invited to reflect on His example of devotion and to embody that spirit in their own lives.
In summary, this Advent season calls for a meaningful engagement with the spiritual lessons inherent in the arrival of Christ, inspiring individuals to connect deeply with the transformative message of hope, love, and peace.
