The first six verses of this chapter show the
superiority and dignity of Christ above Moses. In order to understand the third
chapter of Hebrews, I would advise you to read the first two chapters. Chapter1
presents Jesus as God who came in flesh, to deliver a renewed covenant. In
Chapter 2, one writer says, “the covenant establishes the believer as
joint-heirs with Christ, brothers called to glory”. In Chapter 3, the first
word is “therefore”, which indicates drawing a conclusion based on previous
things. The nature of Messiah and his covenant is further explored, emphasizing
on the need to turn completely to Christ and centre our Religious lives on
Christ without struggling between the Old and New Covenants (of Moses and
Jesus).
Since
Jesus suffered on the cross and died for our salvation, he made us worthy to be
referred to as “holy brothers who share in the heavenly calling”. As Christians
and believers, we are implored to “fix” our thoughts on Jesus, the Apostle and
High Priest whom we confess (v 1).
Based on this “fixation on Jesus”, we need to
remember the following points as we meditate on the first 6 verses of this
Chapter:
Jesus
is seen as our
Apostle and High Priest. He is above Moses, as the builder is above the house.
Moses is a servant while Christ is the Son, our faithful high priest who
eternally resides over the house of God as a son, thus showing us his
superiority to Moses and the old covenant of the law.
The word apostle means “the sent one”, Jesus was sent by God to us with a
message and followers are to pay close attention to him as a person and what he
says, because he is part of the message of God. His death has meaning for us
because of who he is, God’s son. He speaks to humanity on God’s behalf as an
Apostle. As High Priest, he is the “Intercessor”, he speaks to God on behalf of
humanity, and he is our mediator who intervenes between us and God so that we
can have eternal life. This makes Jesus the basis of our salvation and the one
who applies it in our lives. We, therefore have to draw near to him,
concentrate on him in order to know him better and make sure that nothing
distracts us from focusing on him.
In the previous chapter, it is explained, as one writer, Morrison puts
it, “that Jesus became a human being so he could save human beings. Because he
was human, he is qualified to be our high priest and intercessor. He suffered,
so he knows the struggles we go through, and he can sympathize with our
weakness, he can help us .He not only atoned for our sins, he is able to help
us in our temptations”.
Blessings,
Thoko Nkonyane-Nilens
Temptation of Christ (mosaic in basilica di San Marco)
12th Century
By anonimus [Public domain], via Wikimedia Commons
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