An Encouraging Word From the Book of Hebrews
Hebrews is such an encouraging letter to a group the author feared had grown weary and needed encouragement. I think there is a lesson in the start. Who Jesus is encourages us in the journey!
This letter was written to a group of believers who were walking through tough times. Some are dealing with persecution. Their loved ones are suffering… life is not easy, but the writer encourages them to have faith! Jesus is greater.
Over and over in the book of Hebrews, the Greek word kreitton is used, which means “more excellent,” “superior,” or “better.”
In comparison to everything else Jesus Christ is greater, better, and superior. We all could use some encouraging along the way and we want to invite you to join us on the journey of reading Hebrews together over these next few weeks. The core message of Hebrews: PRESS ON ! Jesus is greater. Jesus is better.
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Let’s look at the first few verses of Chapter 1 together.
Hebrews 1:1 (NASB95) — 1 God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways,
In the Old Testament we see God speaking in many ways; through the prophets, burning bushes, donkeys, in a whisper even.
Hebrews 1:2 (NASB95) — 2 in these last days has spoken to us in His Son, whom He appointed heir of all things, through whom also He made the world.
Hebrews 1:3 (NASB95) — 3 And He is the radiance of His glory and the exact representation of His nature, and upholds all things by the word of His power. When He had made purification of sins, He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high,
Jesus created all things! I don’t know about you but the old kids song is a great summary of this thought: He’s got the whole world in His hands!
In Jesus we see also see what God is like! The exact representation of God’s nature. I love the last part of that verse, “He sat down at the right hand of the Majesty on high.”
Other prophets gave instructions about what we must do to be right with God, but Jesus did a work in our place. He did for us what we couldn’t do for ourselves (made purification for sins), and then He sat down. You sit down when there is nothing left to do. Tetelestai – it is finished. Paid in full!
Hebrews 1:4 (NASB95) — 4 having become as much better than the angels, as He has inherited a more excellent name than they.
So this first chapter basically has one point: Christ is superior to all prophets, angels, and any other spiritual authority.
Jesus is greater!
Everything is about HIM!
Tim Keller says:
“Jesus is the truer and better Adam, who passed the test in the garden and whose obedience is now imputed to us.Jesus was the truer and better Isaac, who was not just offered up by his father on the mount, but was actually sacrificed for us.Jesus is the truer and better Moses who stands in the gap between the people and the Lord and who mediates a new covenant.Jesus is the truer and better Job, the truly innocent sufferer, who intercedes for his stupid friends;Jesus is the truer and better David, whose victory became ours, even though we never lifted a stone to help Him.He is the truer and better Samson, crushed under the weight of the wicked world to conquer our enemies and save us.He is the truer and better Jonah who was cast out into the storm so that we could be brought in.He’s the real Passover lamb; innocent, perfect, helpless; slain so that the Angel of Death can pass over us;He’s the true temple; the true Prophet; the true Priest; the true King; the true sacrifice; the true Lamb; the true light; the true bread;”
Jesus is greater.
Love you all,