Consider Jesus

Open: start of a new year, start of all the efforts and gimmicks to get a “better you!” Do 15 minutes of Tai Chai daily, 30 days to a better teen-ager, take the 10 steps to gain financial independence.

Transition: Whether named as Resolutions or not, these approaches seek to change existing behavior to influence a future outcome. In and of itself, there is nothing wrong with the process - taking charge of improving one’s physical health is a good thing; saving money instead of living in debt is better.

Christianity, however, is NOT the result of a personal change, nor is it something to be discarded when circumstances are changed. Being IN Christ is the result of being rightly related to God through a personal, faith-based response to the finished work of Christ.

The Gospel is not complicated, but it is often misunderstood. This is not a problem unique to our modern age - this problem existed in the early church and the author of Hebrews addressed it multiple times from multiple angles during his message. We are going to look at one of his discussions today, and pray that the Holy Spirit gives us clarity about Considering Jesus!

READ the Text: Hebrews 3:1-6

The writer’s message in this section is straightforward: he encourages his listeners to consider Jesus and to keep the faith - to hold on until the end. The writer does elaborate on what is involved in these twin pursuits, and it will be helpful for us to look at these in turn.

Consider Jesus as the One sent by God to serve as our Intercessor (Hebrews 3:1)

Explanation: The writer begins this section with the word therefore which directs our attention to the preceding section. It has been 5 weeks since we looked at 2:10-18, so a brief review is in order. These verses are some of the most compelling in the NT as to the reason for the Incarnation - Jesus was already Divine, but He took on Humanity so that He could serve as Savior.

Hebrews 2:17 “Therefore he had to be made like his brothers in every respect, so that he might become a merciful and faithful high priest in the service of God, to make propitiation for the sins of the people.”

The writer is talking to the church at this point, which is seen by his use of the term “holy brethren” and those who share (partake) in the heavenly calling. He is directing those who are already believers to consider Jesus. The word “consider” has the meaning to diligently pursue – to focus, meditate (James White sermon). The writer is specifically drawing their attention to considering Jesus has been sent by God (the Apostle) to serve as their Intercessor (High Priest).

Application: Stop and reflect on this. If considering means to devote time and attention to something as a focus, how are you doing in this area with Jesus? Do you consider Jesus on Tuesday morning? Do you meditate on His role as your intercessor on Thursday afternoons?

The writer highlights the significance of this by focusing on the aspect of faithfulness. He uses the word or references it four (4) times as he makes a comparison between Moses and Jesus in verses 2-6a.

The writer first establishes that both Moses and Jesus were faithful in similar ways. Both of them fulfilled their obligations in their dealings with God’s people. He then makes a contrast between Moses and Jesus when he reminds the people that Moses was faithful in all of God’s house as a servant (v. 5), while Jesus was faithful in God’s house as a son.

This exchange most likely doesn’t mean a single thing to a modern believer who is not immersed in the OT. We know the name of Moses and probably think of him in terms of the Exodus event.

[Picture the old guy with a beard and a wild look in his eyes coming down from the mountain with the tablets in his hands!]

Moses, however, meant a lot to this original audience and they would probably realize the writer made a reference to Moses from the book of Numbers. In Chapter 12, Miriam and Aaron are upset with Moses and they have been complaining and murmuring. (Numbers 12:1-2). God is aware of their complaints and He shows up in the pillar of cloud and calls the two of them out! God puts the 2 of them in their place while He elevates Moses. God tells them that He, God, speaks to other prophets in dreams and visions, but He deals with Moses on a personal level - He speaks clearly to Moses and even allows Moses to behold His form! God declares Moses to be a faithful servant! (Numbers 12:7)

Back to Hebrews 3 and the contrast between Moses and Jesus. The writer states that Moses was faithful as a servant, but Jesus as the Son. The Son has more glory and honor than the servant, because Jesus is actually the builder of the House! As Creator, Jesus is the One who called the whole thing into existence, so the greater glory is His!

Argument: Do not miss how the writer is framing this comparison. He is NOT putting Moses down. He is reminding the listeners of the special place Moses held: in God’s valuation, Moses is the greatest of the OT prophets - very high praise!! Yet, the more praiseworthy One is Jesus!

Application: Do you ever wonder why you don’t hear from God in a clear manner? Have you ever wondered what it would be like to have God speak to you like He spoke to Moses?

We actually have greater access than Moses but we don’t think about correctly. The writer was telling his audience that God stepped it up with Jesus. Jesus is the exact representation of God in the flesh. Moses saw God’s form, the people saw God’s Son!

We of course are not beholding Jesus in bodily form (1 Peter 1:8), but we DO have His complete revelation and the indwelling of the Holy Spirit.

I am NOT encouraging you to make a resolution concerning Bible reading. I am encouraging you to consider Jesus through the Word and prayer. Jesus people should have a spiritual desire to learn more about the Great Trailblazer of their faith and the Savior of their souls.

Hold on to Jesus (Hebrews 3:6b)

Explanation: The writer also encourages his listeners to hold fast to their confidence in Christ, firm until the end. The writer knows that some in his audience are struggling with their allegiance to Team Jesus, so he ends this short section with an exhortation to keep on keeping on.

The expression is written in the form of a conditional statement, “if indeed,” which causes concern for the careful reader.

Does this mean that I am responsible for keeping myself saved? Is it possible to lose one’s salvation? These are some very, very important questions to consider.

The writer of Hebrews deals with this issue on several different levels throughout the book, and we are going to devote more time to this as we encounter those specific arguments. As we move through the book we will discover a strong emphasis is placed on the teaching known as the perseverance of the saints. In essence, the teaching means that those who have genuinely been regenerated by the power of the Holy Spirit will remain in the faith - they will NOT fall away (apostatize).

Look at the wording in v. 6: “we are His house” is stated as a present and continuous reality. Those of us who are IN Christ have a very present and real confidence - a confidence that is IN Him and NOT of ourselves. On our own, we don’t inspire much confidence, but Jesus is a Savior who saves to the end.

Hebrews 7:25 “Consequently, he is able to save to the uttermost those who draw near to God through him, since he always lives to make intercession for them.”

Conclusion: What are you trusting in? Where is your hope and your confidence? The writer is addressing “holy brothers,” those who are “partakers of the heavenly calling,” but he is talking to a mixed audience: there are some who just profess to be on Team Jesus.