Hebrews 13:17-25 offers a fitting conclusion to the journey through Hebrews, drawing our attention to the nature of leadership in the church and, above all, to the greatness of Christ, our chief shepherd. God has not left his people without guidance; he has established leaders—undershepherds—who are called to care for souls, teach the word, and give an account for their stewardship. The call to obey and submit to these leaders is not a blind allegiance, but a recognition that their authority is derived from the ministry of the word and prayer, and that their oversight is for the good of the flock. This relationship is meant to be marked by joy, not groaning, as leaders serve with integrity and the church responds with trust and prayer.

Yet, the passage makes clear that all human leadership is secondary to the leadership of Christ himself. Jesus is the great shepherd, the one who laid down his life and was raised from the dead, securing an eternal covenant of peace between God and his people. Unlike the shifting sands of human authority—whether in the church or the world—Christ’s reign is unchanging and absolute. The future of the church does not rest on any human leader, but on the unshakeable foundation of Jesus, who is the same yesterday, today, and forever.

All the blessings of God—salvation, equipping for good works, the ability to please God—come to us through Christ. We are utterly dependent on him, not only for our initial peace with God, but for every step of obedience and every act of faithfulness. This dependence should lead us to lives of praise and humility, resisting the temptation to claim any glory for ourselves. The letter closes with a reminder of the apostolic foundation of our faith, the enduring relevance of God’s word, and a final benediction of grace. Grace is the thread that runs through it all: grace that saves, sustains, and enables us to live in a way that honors both our leaders and our Lord.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God’s design for church leadership is rooted in the ministry of the word and prayer, not in human authority for its own sake. Leaders are called to shepherd the flock with humility, integrity, and accountability, knowing they will give an account to God. The church, in turn, is called to respond with obedience and trust, recognizing that this structure is for their spiritual good and flourishing. [06:59]
• 2. The authority of church leaders is always derivative and never absolute. True spiritual authority is exercised not through domination or personal charisma, but through faithful teaching and living out the word of God. Both leaders and members are accountable: leaders for their teaching and example, and members for their response to God’s word as it comes through their leaders. [09:22]
• 3. Prayer for leaders is not optional but essential. Leaders need the prayers of the church to serve with clear consciences, to act honorably, and to discern and obey God’s will in their calling. When the church prays for its leaders, it participates in their ministry and shares in the blessing that comes from faithful, Spirit-led leadership. [15:19]
• 4. Christ alone is the great shepherd, the source of every blessing and the guarantor of the church’s future. Human leaders come and go, but Jesus remains the same, holding the church securely in his hands. Our peace with God, our ability to do his will, and our hope for the future are all anchored in the finished work of Christ and the ongoing ministry of his Spirit. [17:27]
• 5. The grace of God is the foundation and fuel for all Christian life and ministry. We are saved by grace, sustained by grace, and will be brought home by grace. This grace enables us to honor our leaders, to persevere in faith, and to live lives that give all glory to Christ, resisting the subtle temptation to claim any of it for ourselves. [28:59]

Youtube Chapters

• [00:00] - Welcome
• [00:10] - Series Recap and Transition to Psalms
• [00:37] - Reading Hebrews 13:17-25
• [02:27] - Reflections on Church Authority and the Papacy
• [04:14] - Mind the Shepherds: Introduction
• [04:47] - The Role of Undershepherds
• [06:27] - Dangers of Rejecting All Authority
• [07:18] - The Nature of Biblical Authority
• [09:10] - Accountability of Leaders and Members
• [10:52] - The Joy and Burden of Shepherding
• [13:09] - The Call to Pray for Leaders
• [15:49] - The Great Shepherd: Christ’s Supremacy
• [18:08] - The Eternal Covenant and God’s Peace
• [21:34] - All Blessings Through Christ
• [23:37] - Temptations to Steal Christ’s Glory
• [25:11] - The Apostolic Foundation and Final Greetings
• [28:59] - Closing Benediction: Grace Be With You

Bible Reading

Hebrews 13:17-25 — Obey your leaders and submit to them, for they are keeping watch over your souls, as those who will have to give an account. Let them do this with joy and not with groaning, for that would be of no advantage to you. Pray for us, for we are sure that we have a clear conscience, desiring to act honorably in all things. I urge you the more earnestly to do this in order that I may be restored to you the sooner.
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.
I appeal to you, brothers, bear with my word of exhortation, for I have written to you briefly. You should know that our brother Timothy has been released, with whom I shall see you if he comes soon. Greet all your leaders and all the saints. Those who come from Italy send you greetings. Grace be with all of you.

Observation Questions

1. According to Hebrews 13:17, what is the reason given for obeying and submitting to church leaders?
2. What does the author of Hebrews ask the church to pray for in verses 18-19?
3. In verses 20-21, what titles and roles are given to Jesus, and what does God promise to do for believers through him?
4. How does the letter end, and what is the final blessing given to the church? [28:59]

Interpretation Questions

1. The passage says that leaders “keep watch over your souls as those who will have to give an account.” What does this suggest about the seriousness and responsibility of church leadership? [10:22]
2. The sermon emphasized that obedience to leaders is not “blind allegiance,” but is rooted in the ministry of the word and prayer. How does this shape the way church members should respond to leadership? [06:59]
3. The author asks for prayer so that he and other leaders can serve with a clear conscience and act honorably. Why might this be especially important for those in leadership? [15:19]
4. The passage calls Jesus the “great shepherd” and says that all blessings come through him. What does it mean for the church that Christ’s leadership is unchanging, even as human leaders come and go? [17:27]

Application Questions

1. The sermon pointed out that God’s design for leadership is for the good and flourishing of the church, not for control or domination. Have you ever struggled to trust or submit to church leadership? What made it difficult, and what would help you move toward trust? [06:59]
2. Leaders are called to serve with humility and integrity, knowing they will give an account to God. If you are in any position of leadership (at church, home, work), how does this accountability affect the way you lead? Are there areas where you need to grow in humility or integrity? [10:22]
3. The passage urges the church to pray for its leaders. How often do you pray for your pastors, elders, or ministry leaders? What specific things could you start praying for them this week? [15:19]
4. The sermon warned against the temptation to “steal Christ’s glory” by claiming credit for what only he can do. Are there ways you are tempted to take credit for spiritual growth or good works in your life? How can you practice giving glory to Christ instead? [23:37]
5. The author of Hebrews reminds us that all our ability to obey, serve, and please God comes through Christ and his grace. Is there an area of your life where you are trying to “do better” in your own strength instead of depending on Jesus? What would it look like to rely on his grace in that area? [21:52]
6. The letter closes with a blessing of grace. How has God’s grace sustained you in the past, and where do you need to experience his grace right now? [28:59]
7. The sermon mentioned that both leaders and members are accountable: leaders for their teaching and example, and members for their response. How can you encourage both your leaders and fellow church members to live out this mutual accountability in a way that brings joy, not groaning? [09:22]