Hebrews 3:1-6 is about acknowledging Jesus as the faithful and superior High Priest over God’s house, emphasizing the importance of holding firmly to our confidence and hope in Christ.
1 Therefore, holy brothers, you who share in a heavenly calling, consider Jesus, the apostle and high priest of our confession,
2 He was faithful to him who appointed him, just as Moses also was faithful in all God’s house.
3 For Jesus has been counted worthy of more glory than Moses—as much more glory as the builder of a house has more honor than the house itself.
4 For every house is built by someone, but the builder of all things is God.
5 Now Moses was faithful in all God’s house as a servant, to testify to the things that were to be spoken later,
6 but Christ is faithful over God’s house as a son. And we are his house, if indeed we hold fast our confidence and our boasting in our hope.
Setting the Scene for Hebrews 3:1-6
The scene in Hebrews chapter 3 is set in a gathering of early Christian believers, likely in a house church setting. The author of Hebrews is addressing a group of Jewish Christians, reminding them of the importance of their faith in Jesus Christ. The room is dimly lit by oil lamps, casting a warm glow on the faces of those gathered. The air is filled with the scent of incense, creating a sense of reverence and holiness.
Among those present are individuals like Priscilla and Aquila, who opened their home for the believers to meet and worship. The group includes both Jewish Christians who have accepted Jesus as the Messiah and Gentile converts who have been welcomed into the faith. The room is filled with a mix of languages and cultures, reflecting the diversity of the early Christian community.
As the author speaks, the believers listen intently, their faces reflecting a mix of emotions – conviction, encouragement, and determination. The message emphasizes the importance of holding fast to their faith and not hardening their hearts, drawing parallels to the Israelites in the wilderness who rebelled against God. The scene is one of unity and fellowship, as the believers come together to strengthen one another in their faith journey.
What is Hebrews 3:1-6 about?
The author of the book of Hebrews emphasizes the superiority of Jesus over Moses in this verse. While Moses was highly revered in Jewish tradition as the giver of the Law and leader of the Israelites, Jesus is depicted as the ultimate High Priest and mediator between humanity and God. The author encourages the early Christian community to remain faithful to Jesus despite any challenges or temptations they may face by highlighting his superiority.
Think about it – Moses was a significant figure in the Old Testament, yet the author is pointing out that Jesus surpasses even his status. This comparison serves as a reminder to the readers that Jesus is not just another prophet or leader, but the ultimate source of salvation and grace. The author is urging the readers to place their trust and allegiance in Jesus by emphasizing His role as the High Priest, knowing that He is the one who can truly intercede for them before God.
So, as we reflect on this verse, let us consider the profound implications of Jesus’ superiority over Moses. We reaffirm our commitment to Jesus as our High Priest, knowing that through Him, we have access to the forgiveness and redemption that surpasses anything Moses could offer. Let us remain faithful to Jesus, who is our ultimate source of hope and salvation.
Understanding what Hebrews 3:1-6 really means
The Book of Hebrews was penned to Jewish Christians grappling with persecution and the temptation to revert to Judaism. The passage in Hebrews 3:1-6 serves to bolster believers, urging them to stand firm in their allegiance to Jesus Christ, who surpasses even Moses and all other prophets.
Addressing the recipients as “holy brothers and sisters, who share in the heavenly calling,” the writer underscores the sanctity and unity among believers. This designation emphasizes believers’ divine purpose and common destiny in Christ, akin to being a chosen people and a royal priesthood as mentioned in 1 Peter 2:9.
The exhortation to “Fix your thoughts on Jesus, whom we acknowledge as our apostle and high priest” directs believers to center their focus on Jesus as the ultimate mediator between humanity and God. Jesus, as the pioneer and perfecter of faith, should be the central figure in our lives, guiding our thoughts and actions.
Drawing a comparison between Jesus and Moses, the passage highlights Jesus’ superior faithfulness to the One who appointed Him. While Moses was faithful as a servant in God’s house, Jesus, as the Son, holds a position of greater honor and authority, being the builder of the house rather than just a servant within it.
The text emphasizes that believers are part of God’s household, with Christ as the faithful Son overseeing it. By holding firmly to their confidence and hope in Christ, believers demonstrate their belonging to God’s household. This underscores the importance of unwavering faith and allegiance to Jesus amidst trials and distractions.
In contemporary times, this passage serves as a reminder to remain resolute in faith despite challenges, keeping Jesus as the cornerstone of our belief. Just as a ship relies on its experienced captain during a storm, believers must trust in Jesus’ guidance to navigate life’s trials successfully.
Ultimately, Hebrews 3:1-6 calls believers to acknowledge Jesus’ supremacy, affirming their identity and purpose within God’s household. It encourages steadfastness in faith and hope in Christ, urging believers to cling to their beliefs amidst adversity.
How can we remain faithful to God’s calling?
We can remain faithful to God’s calling by fixing our thoughts on Jesus, who was faithful to God as a Son over God’s house. Jesus is faithful as a Son, and we are His house if we hold firmly to our confidence and the hope in which we glory. Therefore, let us hold on to our faith and confidence in Christ, remaining steadfast in our belief and trust in Him.
It is important to remember that Jesus is greater than Moses and all other servants in God’s house. Christ’s house includes believers, and we should encourage them to remain faithful to Him, just as He is faithful to us. We can endure and remain faithful to God’s calling for us by keeping our focus on Jesus and holding on to our confidence in Him.
We should not harden our hearts or turn away from God’s voice, as the Israelites did in the wilderness. Instead, we should continually seek His guidance, listen to His voice, and follow His will for our lives. We can experience the fullness of His blessings and the fulfillment of His purposes for us by remaining obedient and faithful to God’s calling.
Application
Dear friend, in the bustling city of life, let Jesus be the compass guiding your steps, the steady hand amidst the chaos. Think of Him as the leader in your career, the rock in your family. Let His unwavering presence inspire and uplift you in every twist and turn. Embrace His teachings and let them shape your decisions like a determined architect crafting a masterpiece. Can you commit to building your life on the unshakeable foundation of hope in Christ?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.