What’s so great about Jesus? By Pastor Bob Hunter
Scripture: Hebrews Chs.1-4
Video Clip suggestion: “That’s My King” available at www.sermonspice.com
Intro: There is one reoccurring word in the book of Hebrews used by the author to describe Jesus. The word is “Better.” The original greek word is: Krietton. The writer of Hebrews loves the idea that Christ is “Better.” He is better than the old & better than the rest. The word better is used 13 times in the book. It seems the author is trying to convey an important message to his readers. Christ represents the “Better” way. Everything is better in Him. When you have Jesus, you upgrade your quality of life.
Illust: Let’s suppose you’re like me, and you drive an older vehicle. I have a 1992 Honda Civic. Imagine going to a car dealership, throwing keys on the counter and saying to the salesman, “I would like to downgrade from my current vehicle to something not as good.” “How about a ‘76 Ford Pinto or a 79 Chevette?” Now let’s face it, no one in their right mind would do this! You would be the laughing stock of the dealership. The more appropriate thing to do in this situation is ask for an upgrade and get something better. “My ‘92 Civic doesn’t have much life left in it, I’d like to look at a what’s new on the showroom floor ” Now that makes sense. Upgrade not downgrade.
The point is this: when you come to Christ you get the upgrade you’re looking for. In Him, there is a better way. This is exactly what the writer of Hebrews is trying to convey to his readers. Christ is better. There is a better way, a better promise, a better provision, a better salvation, a better peace, a better sacrifice, a better priest, a better hope, and a better sabbath. Christ is better than anything you can imagine.
Three “Better” descriptions of what we have in Christ:
1. He is higher than the angels. (Ch. 1:1-5)
A word about Angels. If there was a award given to best supporting role in the story of salvation, it would have to go to the angels. Angels were present at the birth of Christ and the Resurrection. Numerous references in scripture are made to angels.
What are they? Angels are spirit beings, created by God for a purpose. They exist to serve God and serve the heirs of salvation. Namely, us (See Heb. 1:13). They have a role of servanthood in the Kingdom of God. However, the role of angels is very limited. It is quite possible they are permitted on occasion, to intervene in earthly affairs. Although, don’t expect a ‘Touched by an angel’ experience! Remember, angels are not adorned in flesh and blood.
John Ortberg tells a story about a young girl who was climbing a tree in her back yard when unexpectedly she fell. While she appeared to have no injuries, her overly concerned parents took her
the hospital for an exam. X-rays were taken along with a Catscan. Concerning the fall, there were no related injuries. However, the catscan revealed a benign brain tumor that needed to be removed. She was admitted to the hospital and the tumor was successfully removed. Her fall from the tree may well have saved her life from something far worse.
Her parents imagine two angels hovering over the tree arguing over which would push her out! “You push her!” “No, it’s your turn, you do it.” “No you do it.”
Think about it. You can’t prove or disprove the intervention of angels on this situation. It does appear to be more than coincidental that she fell when she did. Based on what we know from scripture, there is no biblical reason to rule it out. Angels are here to serve. They serve God and they minister to us.
The writer of Hebrews devotes nearly an entire chapter to the subject of angels. The chief point is this: Angels are servants while Jesus is a Son. That’s the difference. There are many angels and only one Son. Jesus is higher than the angels. Within the cultural framework of the Hebrews, it was necessary to make this distinction. There were rumors swirling around about Jesus’ identity. According to tradition, some claimed that Jesus was an angel who had the appearance of a man. While there were yet others who claimed that Jesus was a man who had the appearance of an angel. Needless to say, the writer of Hebrews sets the record straight. Jesus is the one and only; laying the foundations of the earth, before creation (Heb. 1:10).
There are legions of angels, but there is only one Jesus. John 3:16 says, “God so loved the world that he sent his only begotton Son...” Notice what it doesn’t say. It doesn’t say that “God so loved the world that he sent an angel, or a prophet, or a moral teacher???” No! He so loved the world that he sent his ONLY SON! The angels are servants, while Jesus is the Son. He has Sonship with the Father. He is higher than the angels. He is better.
2. He is greater than the Prophets. (Heb. 3:1-3)
Note the comparison made between Jesus & Moses. Moses was the most revered leader in the History of Israel for numerous reasons. Moses delivered the law. Moses performed absolutely stunning miracles. He met with God and even saw God. Moses was a great man! But Jesus was greater by far. He was greater than all the prophets of old. In the mind of the traditional Jew, this was a radical claim. Yet true.
In today’s world we face our own dilemna and comparisons. We have figures of great spiritual influence like Oprah Winfrey. The Oprah empire continues to grow both materially and spiritually. She now has a magazine, a charity, a movie production company, a book club, a popular show, & she owns half the Island Hawaii! Oprah is also a major figure of spiritual influence in today’s world. While she would never mantle herself as a prophet, she unabashedly promotes her own brand of spirituality. She’s a powerful spokesperson for what many would call new age spirituality. She embraces popular new age gurus like Shirley Mclain and Depok Chopra. She’s an advocate of self realization (the means by which a person achieves wholeness through a process of self discovery beginning with self.) I ask you then: Who is Oprah really? A Prophetess, a spiritual leader, a talk show host, or a combination of all? Decide for yourself.
Make no mistake, what we have in Christ is better. The Oprah brand of spirituality begins and ends with self. Christianity begins and ends with Christ. Oprah is set to retire in 2008. Jesus Christ will never retire! He is greater than all prophets, both old and new & Christian and non. He is Jesus, God’s son.
3. He is bigger than the Sabbath. (Ch. 4:1-3, 9,10)
During a time of desert wandering, the Israelites were unable to enter rest. The rest of God was forfeited through disobedience. Even though they had a day off, the didn’t really have a day off. The Sabbath tradition of the Jews was strict. There was a total cessation of work and labor. Violations of the Sabbath were punishable by death. So everything came to a screeching halt on the Sabbath. While the Sabbath was outwardly observed, there was a lack of inward obedience. The Jews were unbelieving, therefore they did not enter rest God promised even though they kept the sabbath.
You’ve heard the old saying, “There is no rest for the wicked.” There’s a ring of truth in that statement. St. Augustine once said, “We are restless O’God until we rest in thee.” That’s the whole teaching of Hebrews Ch. 4. There is no rest apart from God.
In the New Testament, Jesus is Lord of the Sabbath. The rest we have in Him is more complete. He is bigger than the Sabbath. A day off without Jesus, is no day off. I’d rather have Jesus than a thousand days off. Because rest for my soul is found in Him. You ever take a vacation and come home not really feeling rested? Haven’t we all! Think what your entire life would be like if you never found rest for your soul? Jesus Christ can rest your soul whether you have a day off or not. Our obedience to Him is more important than merely observing a day off and keeping the sabbath. He is bigger than the Sabbath. You can find rest for your soul any day, anywhere.
ILLUST: According to Medical Doctors approximately 60% of visits to the Doctor’s office have some type of stress related link. Until recently this seemed far fetched to me. Last month, my Doctor asked me to have a complete physical. As it turns out, I have a nagging physical condition the Doctors suspected was related to stress. I’ve seen three different Doctors now and have answered a number of stress related questions about my health. I glad to report that everything is normal today. I’m not suffering from undue stress. But I could be. I’m human. Stress, fatigue and anxiety wear on us physically. Oftentimes a prolonged amount of stress will build up in our bodies and exploit a point of weakness causing headaches, ulcers, compromised immunes, depression, etc. This is a sad reality for many people today. Unfortunately we’re medicating ourselves to death and not really dealing with the underlying issue. Have you gotten any rest lately? I don’t mean just physical rest, what about spiritual rest for your soul? It could be that our bodies are unable to fully recover from physical fatigue simply because our lives spiritually are out of whack. I find my best rest in the Lord. Rest for your soul can have a measurable impact on how your doing physically.
King David wrote in his beloved Psalm, “He restores my soul.” (Ps. 23). Has your soul entered rest as of late? Today, the rest your looking for is found in Jesus Christ. He is Lord of the Sabbath.
Jesus Christ extended a personal invitation to people who were looking for rest to find it in Him. He said, “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest...for I am gentle and humble in heart and you will find rest for your soul, for my yoke is easy and my burden is light.” (Matthew 11:28,29).
As a young pastor I was once given some wise words of counsel. Cast & Relax! Cast all your cares on Him and then relax! You cannot rest when you’re clammoring for control and taking matters into your own hands. Instead of trying to control everything, give it to Christ. Cast & Relax. There is a better way to rest, and we find it in Christ. He is bigger than the Sabbath. And He is bigger than your problems. Cast & Relax.
Conclusion:
Jesus Christ can give you the rest your looking for. He’s better than the best day off you’ve ever had. He’s better than the best vacation you’ve ever had. He’s better than any medicine you’ve taken. He’s better than the book you’re reading. He’s better than any Doctor you’ve visited. By every standard of measure, Christ is better! Everything in Christ is better. He’s the upgrade the you’re looking for.
