Compiled By: Lisa K Gonzales
From: The Life Application Study Bible
1 “And so, dear brothers and sisters who belong to GOD and are bound for heaven, think about this Jesus whom we declare to be GOD’s Messenger and High Priest. 2 For He was faithful to GOD, who appointed Him, just as Moses served faithfully and was entrusted with GOD’s entire house. 3 But Jesus deserves far more glory than Moses, just as a person who builds a fine house deserves more praise than the house itself. 4 For every house has a builder, but GOD is the ONE who made everything.” ~ Hebrews 3:1-4
Verse one would have been especially meaningful to Jewish Christians. For Jews, the highest human authority was the high priest. For Christians, the highest human authorities were GOD’s messengers, the apostles. Jesus, GOD’s Messenger and High Priest, is the ultimate authority in the church.
In this passage different pictures are used to explain Jesus’ relationship to believers: He is 1) the Messenger to GOD, to whom we should listen; 2) our High Priest, to whom we come to GOD the Father, and 3) the ruler of GOD’s house (“in charge of the entire household”), whom we should obey. The Bible is filled with different names and pictures of Jesus Christ, and each one reveals something more about His nature and ministry. What do these images teach us about our relationship with Christ?
To the Jewish people, Moses was a great hero, he had led their ancestors, the Israelites, from Egyptian bondage to the border of the Promised Land. He also had written the first five books of the Old Testament, and he was the prophet through whom GOD had given law. Therefore, Moses was the greatest prophet in the Scriptures. But – Jesus is worthy of even greater honor; He is GOD HIMSELF. “The Son reflects GOD’s own glory, and everything about Him represents GOD exactly. He sustains the universe by the mighty power of His command. After He died to cleanse us from the stain of sin, He sat down in the place of honor at the right hand of the majestic GOD of heaven.” – Hebrews 1:3 – Jesus Christ is the complete expression of GOD in a human body.
Just as Moses led the people of Israel out of Egyptian bondage, so Christ leads us out of sin’s slavery. Why settle for Moses, the author of Hebrews asks, when you can have Jesus Christ, who appointed Moses?
Jesus, You are GOD’s Messenger and High Priest. You are faithful and You deserve our honor and praise. Thank You for delivering us, saving us and cleansing us from the bondage of sin’s slavery. You sustain us and the universe with the mighty power of Your command. You reflect GOD in all HIS glory. You have complete authority.
Photo: Texas Sky
Photo By: Lisa K Gonzales
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