For the bodies of those bests, whose blood is brought into the sanctuary by the high priest for sin, are burned without the camp. (12) Wherefore Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood, suffered without the gate. (13) Let us go therefore unto him without the camp, bearing his reproach.

Hebrews 13:11-13

Explanation

Exodus 29:14 describes the command for the sin offering.  It says,

But the flesh of the bullock, and his skin, and his dung, shalt thou burn with fire without the camp: it is a sin offering.

Exodus 29:14

The blood of those beasts were brought into the sanctuary, the inner part of the tabernacle.  This is described in Leviticus 4:5-7

5 And the priest that is anointed shall take of the bullock’s blood, and bring it to the tabernacle of the congregation:6 And the priest shall dip his finger in the blood, and sprinkle of the blood seven times before the LORD, before the vail of the sanctuary.7 And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

Leviticus 4:5-7

What is being alluded to here it he fact that the bodies of animals offered on the Day of Atonement were not eaten.  They were burned outside of the camp.  Hebrews 13 becomes more understandable in the King James translation when you understand that “without” means “outside of”.  The preacher is pointing to this sacrifice outside of the camp, or outside of the city to compare it to Jesus’ sacrifice that atoned for our sins outside of the city.  

Jesus Christ is the supreme sacrifice for sin that was crucified outside of the gates of Jerusalem.  The preacher is saying to the Hebrew believer, let’s go outside of the camp and bear his reproach.  He shed his blood outside of the established temple sacrificial system, and has replaced that system by fulfilling it.  His blood has been offered so that no more blood need be shed for our sin to be atoned. 

Jesus Christ himself (13:8) sanctifies us, not any strange doctrine tied to dietary laws.(13:9)  Jesus Christ Himself atones us, not the blood of bulls and goats (13:11-12, 10:4).  We don’t have to go to an earthly tabernacle or to an earthly priest to mediate for us because Jesus Christ is sitting on the right hand of God in a heavenly tabernacle, and ever lives to make intercession for us (7:24-25,  8:1-2)

Our allegiance now is to Jesus Christ Himself and not to some religious system.  

Application

Here are just a few points that summarize how we can live as a result of these truths.  Some of these will be repeated in upcoming verses.

• We ought to be willing to suffer on Christ’s behalf because He was willing to suffer for our atonement. (13:13). If we suffer when we witness, it is an honor.
• We ought to be loyal and allegiance to Jesus Christ Himself as the fulfillment of all that God promised. (13:14). If we suffer when we stick up for Jesus Christ, it is an honor.
• Our sacrifice ought to be obedience to God, and the praises of our lips as sincere reflections of our grateful hearts. (13:15). Praise and Worship isn’t a style of music.  It is the lifestyle of redeemed and thankful people.

Response

Heavenly Father, Help me today to live as though I’m willing to suffer reproach for your dear Son. Help me to stand when it’s easier to give in. Help me to do the right thing no matter the cost. Help me be so filled with the Holy Spirit that what comes out of my mouth is pleasing and acceptable to you today. In Christ’s name and for His Sake, Amen.