Hebrews 10: The Word — A shadow
Scripture Focus:
“For since the law has but a shadow of the good things to come instead of the true form of these realities, it can never, by the same sacrifices that are continually offered every year, make perfect those who draw near.”
— Hebrews 10:1 (ESV)
Reflection:
The Word of God has always pointed to a Person—Jesus.
Hebrews 10 opens with this foundational truth: the law was only a shadow. A shadow has shape, but it lacks substance. It gives an outline, but not the fullness.
That’s what the law did. It gave a glimpse of God's holiness, His perfection, and His desire to dwell among a set-apart people. But it could never make anyone perfect. It could only point to someone who could—Jesus.
The Tragedy of Missing the Point
The Pharisees memorized Scripture. They taught it. They quoted it. Yet when the Word became flesh and stood before them, they missed Him.
Why?
Because they treated the Word like it was the end goal, not the means to encounter the Living God.
Jesus said:
“You search the Scriptures because you think that in them you have eternal life; and it is they that bear witness about me.”
— John 5:39
If we read the Word and miss Jesus, we’ve missed everything.
Don’t Study for Smarts—Study for Encounter
When you open the Old Testament, don’t just search for history or moral lessons. Look for Jesus.
Ask the Holy Spirit to reveal the Son of God through every shadow, symbol, and sacrifice.
Because the end goal is not information—it’s transformation. The Word is meant to bring us face to face with the Living Christ.
Takeaway:
The Word is a mirror. The law is a shadow.
But Jesus is the substance, the light, the truth, and the end of all things.
Don’t settle for the shadow when the Person has come.
Prayer:
Jesus, thank You for fulfilling every shadow of the law. I don’t want to read the Bible just for knowledge—I want to meet You in every word. Open my eyes by the Holy Spirit to see You more clearly and love You more deeply. Let every page draw me closer to Your heart. Amen.