These verses express the writer's prayerful wish for his readers.
13:20 Elsewhere John and Peter called Jesus Christ the Good Shepherd (John 10:14) and the Chief Shepherd (1 Pet. 5:4). Here He is the Great Shepherd, greater than any in Judaism. This is another expression of Jesus' superiority over the Mosaic system.
"As the Good Shepherd, Jesus Christ diedfor the sheep (John 10:11). As the Great Shepherd, He livesfor the sheep in heaven today, working on their behalf. As the Chief Shepherd, He will come for the sheepat His return (1 Peter 5:4). Our Shepherd cares for His own in the past, present, and future. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever!"451
Likewise the "eternal covenant"is the New Covenant in contrast to the temporary Old Covenant. Jesus' blood was superior to animal blood offered under the Old Covenant. This pastoral prayer brings the sermon to its conclusion. Many of the emphases expounded in the epistle come together in this benediction: peace, resurrection and ascension, shepherding, blood, covenant, Jesus, and glory.
13:21 "Equip"means to prepare for use (cf. 2 Tim. 3:16-17). The same Greek word, katartidzo, describes elsewhere a doctor setting a broken bone, a general preparing his army for battle, and a fisherman mending his net (cf. Matt. 4:21). It was the writer's concern that his readers be ready to reign with Jesus Christ. This is the purpose for remaining faithful to God throughout the epistle. Part of our full inheritance (full rest, full salvation) is the privilege of reigning with Him (2 Tim. 2:12). To attain this privilege we must continue to mature by following Jesus Christ faithfully rather than turning from Him.
