Jesus is Better. Therefore…

Hebrews is a theologically deep book. I am thrilled that we are going to walk through Hebrews together as a church family. The aim of the author is unquestionably to present Jesus as superior! Or to say it another way, Jesus is better.

Often we say, “Make much of Jesus.” Hebrews is bluntly and unapologetically written to do just that.

For many Hebrew people there was a deep temptation to find identity in their traditions, leaders, and experiences. However, this Holy Spirit inspired letter exposed a big truth: Jesus is Better. Whatever the distraction, temptation, or yearning, Jesus is better.

For example, the first three verses of the book declare that above and beyond every previous way in which God revealed himself, the revelation of Jesus is superior!
God, after He spoke long ago to the fathers in the prophets in many portions and in many ways, (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. (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, – Hebrews 1:1-3

Jesus more fully reveals who God is than the encounter of Moses on Mt. Sanai. Jesus reveals the glory of God more than Isaiah’s experience in the temple. Jesus is the embodiment of all the promises and pictures throughout the entire Old Testament.
Jesus is better. Now what…

Hebrews is a painfully practical book. Throughout the 13 chapters, the author builds a firm foundation of truth regarding the superiority of Jesus. Then, he uses a word 21 times in the book as a call to action…therefore. Truth, rightly understood and apprehended, moves us to action! A few examples…

Therefore we must pay much closer attention to what we have heard, lest we drift away from it. – Hebrews 2:1

Therefore, holy brethren, partakers of a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the Apostle and High Priest of our confession; – Hebrews 3:1

Therefore let us draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need. – Hebrews 4:16

Therefore leaving the elementary teaching about the Christ, let us press on to maturity… – Hebrews 6:1

Therefore, brethren, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus, … (22) let us draw near with a sincere heart in full assurance of faith… Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful…and let us consider how to stimulate one another to love and good deeds, – Hebrews 10:19, 22-24

Therefore, since we have so great a cloud of witnesses surrounding us, let us also lay aside every encumbrance and the sin which so easily entangles us, and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, (2) fixing our eyes on Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith, who for the joy set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and has sat down at the right hand of the throne of God. – Hebrews 12:1-2

My prayer for us over the next few months is that we grow deeper and deeper in a thorough grasp and understanding of the superiority of king Jesus! At the same time, I pray that the truth rightly understood and apprehended calls us to faithful and obedient action!

For His glory,

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