HEBREWS HEB3

Jesus greater than Moses – Son over God’s house Heb 3

Introduction: The Son has charge of God’s house. In this chapter we discover more of His character and activities, and we look, too, at the house and what it comprises.

1. Look at the Son.

That is the point of vs. 1. Check the things to look out for:

a. Look at His name and titles. There’s a growing list. Check out vs. 1 (three there) and vs. 3. What does the name of Jesus remind you of? That looks back to 2:14-18. Look at vs. 6 (two more there). What is the divine/human picture that’s building up?

b. Look at His role. What is said of Jesus Christ in vs. 2& 6?

i. To whom is Jesus faithful in vs. 2? The fact He was `appointed’ underlines His `subordination’ to the Father as God-become-man. Note – He’s not subordinate in His `being’ (1:3) but in His incarnation – e.g. 2:9,14. See how John describes it

e.g. Jn. 3:17; 5:36; 6:57; 8:42; 17:3; (the word `to send’ in those verses is the verb of which the noun is `apostle’ – one who is sent; Heb. 3:1)

His will is subordinate to the Father’s (John 15:19, 30). Would you call Him faithful? Why?

ii. In what role is Christ faithful? (vs. 6) How does vs. 6 describe us? So Christ rules God’s people (in O.T., the Jews, in N.T. the Church – see Col. 1:18-20). How is that faithful headship expressed? (2:17). Think about the way He sustains us in 2:18.

iii. With whom is Jesus compared in His faithfulness?

How are Moses and Jesus different? (vs. 2,5)

Why does Jesus receive greater honour than Moses? (3) Think about this in relation to Matt. 16:18. Notice how much God honoured Moses (Ex. 33:11; Numb. 12:6-9). Note also Deut. 34:5, 10-12. How is Jesus worthy of greater honour than Moses?

2. Look at the house - God’s people (6)

Look at three characteristics:

a. They enter God’s house/family by faith: that’s in contrast to the unbelief that kept Israel out of Canaan (7-19). Note particularly v. 19 and how it’s applied to the reader in vs. 12.

b. They persist with courage/boldness and hope (6)

For the use of `courage’ see Acts 4:13, 29, 31 and Phil. 1:20.

For the use of `hope’ see Rom. 5:2-5; 8:22-25; and 1 John 3:2,3.

Note courage and hope don’t save us – they give evidence of a living faith. If courage and hope peter out, what does it signify? A superficial enthusiasm as the basis of my Christian stand rather than faith? Think about Mk. 4:16,17.

c. They concentrate on Jesus – as `holy brothers’ (1)

See how v.1 ties in with 12:2, 3. Why `holy brothers’? Check 2:11. How does this come about?

3. Look at the warning.

Many Jews were turning to Jesus – some were just on the brink of total commitment – with the danger of drawing back into Judaism. The warning is: Check your faith.

a. Salvation is not assured by an initial boast or enthusiasm (6)

b. Salvation is not assured by an initial confidence (14) – it’s `faith’ that lasts.

c. What keeps people out or causes them to go back on an initial commitment?

i. Look at Israel’s history (7-11, 16-19). They left Egypt rejoicing, but what do the following verses reveal: vs 8,15,10,12,13,18? What kind of heart disease is that? What kept them out of Canaan? Why did Joshua and Caleb enter? (Numb. 14:5-11, 20-24)

ii. Look at God’s reaction (10,11,17,18,19)

What does it indicate?

iii. Look at God’s generosity. Think about the significance of `today’ (7,15).

For us it’s the time from Christ’s first advent, till He comes again and, individually, from the time we first hear till the time of death. Why should God keep the offer open?

Why is it important to counsel enquirers carefully and thoroughly, and to set up some kind of nurture group for those who profess faith in Christ?