Christ In Hebrews

A main theme of Hebrews is summarized in the opening statements. Who does God want us to primarily listen to, the ancient patriarchs, the prophets, the angelic messengers, or His Son?

“God, who at various times and in various ways spoke in time past to the fathers by the prophets, has in these last days spoken to us by His Son, whom He has appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the worlds; who being the brightness of His glory and the express image of His person, and upholding all things by the word of His power, when He had by Himself purged our sins, sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high, having become so much better than the angels, as He has by inheritance obtained a more excellent name than they.” (Hebrews 1:1-4 NKJV)

What about Moses? He was God’s servant, imperfect but faithful.

“But Jesus deserves more honor than Moses, just as the builder of a house deserves more honor than the house.” (Hebrews 3:3 CEV)

What about Joshua? He led Israel faithfully into the promised land of rest, but not into eternal rest.

“Now if Joshua had succeeded in giving them this rest, God would not have spoken about another day of rest still to come. So there is a special rest still waiting for the people of God.” (Hebrews 4:8-9 NLT)

What about the priests in the line of Aaron, each temporary, succeeding the other after their death?

“but he [Jesus] became a priest with an oath when God said to him: ‘The Lord has sworn and will not change his mind: “You are a priest forever.” ’ ” (Hebrews 7:21 NIV)

Who do we see crowned with glory and honor?

“But we do see Jesus—made lower than the angels for a short time so that by God’s grace He might taste death for everyone—crowned with glory and honor because of His suffering in death.” (Hebrews 2:9 HCSB)

Who is the Apostle and High Priest that we acknowledge?

“Wherefore, holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling, consider the Apostle and High Priest of our profession, Christ Jesus” (Hebrews 3:1 KJV)

Where has our high priest ascended to?

“Therefore, since we have a great high priest who has passed through the heavens, Jesus the Son of God, let’s hold firmly to our confession.” (Hebrews 4:14 NASB)

Levitical priests only held office for a limited time. How long does Jesus’ priesthood last?

“where the forerunner has entered for us, even Jesus, having become High Priest forever according to the order of Melchizedek.” (Hebrews 6:20 NKJV)

Is the new covenant better?

“Because of this oath, Jesus has become the guarantor of a better covenant.” (Hebrews 7:22 NIV)

How much superior was the offering made by Christ over the Old Testament sacrifices?

“Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our consciences from sinful deeds so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins.” (Hebrews 9:14 NLT)

How often was Jesus sacrificed?

“by which will we have been sanctified through the offering of the body of Jesus Christ once for all.” (Hebrews 10:10 WEB)

Under the old covenant, only the high priest could enter the holy of holies once a year on the Day of Atonement. Can we now enter the heavenly holy of holies?

“Brothers and sisters, we have confidence that we can enter the holy of holies by means of Jesus’ blood” (Hebrews 10:19 CEB)

How do we know this means heaven?

“Christ didn’t enter the holy place (which is a copy of the true holy place) made by human hands, but into heaven itself, so that he now appears in God’s presence for us.” (Hebrews 9:24 CEB)

Who initiates and perfects our faith?

“We do this by keeping our eyes on Jesus, the champion who initiates and perfects our faith. Because of the joy awaiting him, he endured the cross, disregarding its shame. Now he is seated in the place of honor beside God’s throne.” (Hebrews 12:2 NLT)

The main message of Hebrews is to focus primarily on Jesus, not any man or woman, nor any traditions that fall outside the centrality of Jesus. He is our Savior. He offered Himself once for all. He is our high priest forever. He is the guarantor of the new covenant. What’s your focus? You decide!